Get Ready for HDNet's New, Original Comedy Series - 'Svetlana' Opens for Business Thursday, May 27 At 10:30 p.m. ET

DALLAS, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning actress and comedienne Iris Bahr ("Curb your Enthusiasm," "Larry the Cable Guy," "DAI," "The Last Exorcist") stars as "Svetlana" in HDNet's newest comedy series that explores the trials and tribulations of Svetlana Maksimovoskaya, a Russian madam and political consultant. "Svetlana" is taking over Hollywood and is open for business beginning Thursday, May 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on HDNet.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080324/HDNETLOGO)

"Svetlana" also features the versatile character actor Alex Veadov ("We Own The Night," "Air Force One" and "Drag Me To Hell") and Playboy Playmate Irina Voronina (Miss January 2001), and is ripe with guest star appearances by Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911!"), Sandy Martin ("Big Love," "It's Always Sunny"), Maksim Chmerkovskiy ("Dancing with the Stars"), Phil LaMarr ("King of the Hill"), Jennifer Elise Cox ("10 Items or Less"), Richard Schiff ("The West Wing"), Lance Reddick ("The Wire," "Fringe") and Peter Jacobson ("House," "Good Night and Good Luck") to name a few.

In this internet sensation turned HDNet series, Svetlana runs a small yet powerful family business, aptly named "St. Petersburg House of Discreet Pleasure" which employs her three beautiful "daughters" played by Voronina, Angela Gots ("90210") and Katia Hayes. The business just happens to be located conveniently in Svetlana's three bedroom Hollywood home! The series takes a comical sneak peek into the daily workings of our leading lady's little "empire," which include, not only off-kilter clients and workplace fiascoes but family dynamics typical of any household in America such as sibling rivalry, teen angst, marital tensions with her lazy but loving husband Vlad (Veadov), and the challenges involved in juggling both a successful business and motherhood – all of which Svetlana handles with charming Russian abrasiveness and wit.

"Svetlana" was created, written, directed and produced by the series' star Iris Bahr and originally became a comic sensation on Funny or Die.com.  Bahr was the winner of the 2008 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show for her one woman show "DAI."  "DAI" also received the Drama Desk and UK Stage Award nominations for Outstanding Solo Show and Sound Design. She has toured with "DAI" around the world including a performance at the United Nations for over 100 ambassadors and delegates.  

To check out a clip of Svetlana's exploits, click on the following link:

http://blip.tv/file/3115156

And to watch the original web pilot that made it all happen, go to:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/bc54d50403/svetlana-pilot-episode

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather.  Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world.  HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant  - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

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HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series.  The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more.  HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"  HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series.  "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.  

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters.  The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS. 

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

SOURCE HDNet

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