Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Four episodes into Braxton Family Values‘ run, Rainbow Media’s WE tv has renewed the reality series starring singer Toni Braxton and her sisters for a second season with a 13-episode order, up from the 10 episodes the network ordered for Season 1. Additionally, WE tv has greenlighted two new series to debut later this year and in 2012: Texas Multi Mamas, about a Texas support group of mothers of multiples, and The Willis Clan, about a family of 14 where the parents push their 12 kids to become prodigies. The two shows join Amsale Girls, about young women working at brida-gown maker Amsale, which debuts on June 12. WE tv also has picked up two Canadian series: Family Restaurant, about a family-run Chinese restaurant, and a second season of The Cupcake Girls.

In its first four airings, Braxton Family Values has averaged a 0.63 household rating, attracting 350,000 women in the 18-49 demographic, three times WE tv’s average in the Tuesday 9 PM slot. “The show brings a much bigger and younger audience to WE tv,” said the channel’s president and GM Kim Martin. Under its new slogan, “Life as we know it,” WE tv has been “focused on providing real-life shows about families that viewers can relate to,” Martin said. Sometimes they involve celebrity clans, like Braxton Family Values and Joan and Melissa Rivers in Joan Knows Best?, or a workplace family unit, like Amsale Girls, which builds on WE tv’s tradition in wedding-related programming. Here are descriptions of WE tv’s new series:

Amsale Girls, 6 hourlong episodes (premieres Sunday, June 12 at 10 PM)
Brides spend up to $75,000 for an Amsale bridal gown and the women who work for Amsale are just as extraordinary as the dresses themselves.  Every day, they deal with dozens of fittings, dress disasters, and the non-stop pressure of pleasing some of the most discriminating Manhattan brides.  Outside of work, the girls serve as each other’s best friends and support systems as they face their own relationships, their upcoming nuptials, and life as an early 30s woman.  But it’s all in a day’s work when you’re an Amsale Girl.  Produced by Authentic Entertainment.

Texas Multi Mamas, 8 hourlong episodes

Set in the great state of Texas, moms of multiples join to support one another as they rear their bountiful broods.  Each mom has a distinct personality and thinks her way is the right way, which sets the tone for chaos, drama, fun and lots of love in these families.  Produced by Shed Media.

The Willis Clan, 6 hourlong episodes (premieres in 2012)

The Willis family is unlike any other.  Parents Toby and Brenda encourage their 12 children to strive for excellence and accept nothing less.  After a devastating car accident nearly claimed the life of Toby, he set his goal on raising his children to excel at their studies and a myriad of activities, from playing musical instruments to Irish River dancing, swing dancing, wrestling, writing, drawing, costume design, horseback riding and more.  While the Willis family is a loving and supportive bunch, life isn’t always so simple.  Mom and dad push their kids towards excelling which creates plenty of family drama and riffs between parents and kids.  Produced by Rivr Media.

AQUIRED SERIES

Family Restaurant, 10 half-hour episodes

The Lingnan is a family-run Chinese restaurant that’s become a legacy over its 60+ years in business.  Mom and dad, Amy and Kinman Quon, have a regular clientele and are content with business.  Their kids, however, are looking to spice things up.  Miles, Mandy and Marty grew up working in the restaurant and see an opportunity to grow the Lingnan by hiring new kitchen talent, shaking up the menu and dragging the business into the 21st Century.  Produced by Anaïd Productions Inc.

The Cupcake Girls season 2, 14 half-hour episodes (premieres Tuesday, June 21 at 10 PM)

In the second season of The Cupcake Girls, best friends and business partners Heather and Lori expand their cupcake empire and their families. Lori struggles to balance work responsibilities with being a new mom while Heather is equally distracted by her new relationship and the couple’s decision to move in together.  Heather’s parents, Kathie and Brian, continue to help the girls and new employees are hired to help with the burgeoning brand.  Produced by Force Four Entertainment.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.