Launching its milestone 15th season on September 15, 2008, "Extra" is the second longest-running entertainment magazine on television. With new host Mario Lopez at the helm of "Extra," viewers can expect updated, innovative and interactive new elements destined to revolutionize entertainment news.  For the first time, viewers won't just be spectators -- they'll become active participants in the experience!

Tapping into the phenomenal popularity of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, "Extra" will invite viewers to become "Extra Friends." And being an "Extra friend" is all about benefits; exclusive access to stars, vendors, giveaways and discounts, even love connections! But that's just the start.

Every night, our "Extra Friends" can see themselves on the air! Ask questions! Sound off on stories! Interact with stars and each other. We're making it easier than ever to be on television, whether it's via webcam, video cam, or one of our new Fan Kiosks in Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

Got a question for George Clooney? Ask it on the new "Extra Fancam!" We'll play it for George and air both your question and his answer! And there's more. What's George's question for Jen Aniston? We'll take it to Jen and get her answer!

"Extra" will continue to be a leader in breaking entertainment news, and in Season 15, there are new surprises in store. Our "Red Carpet Cam" shows you not just what happens on the red carpet, but behind the scenes -- video diary style. Also look for a fresh new segment called "Hey Mario!" In the ultimate candid camera experiment, we send a camera on a trip around the globe, checking in daily to see where it pops up. From Simon's makeup room at "American Idol" to a taxicab in New York, you never know who will show up on the other end to say "Hey Mario!"

"Extra" will also become television's ultimate headquarters for health and wellness. The top experts in the fields of medicine, prevention and wellness, nutrition and fitness come together on our exclusive wellness team. Every night "Extra" will break news on groundbreaking therapies, alternative treatments, fitness secrets and more. Utilizing the new interactive format, viewers can ask any and every health question under the sun and get instant answers.

This past season, "Extra" made international headlines in an exclusive interview with Rielle Hunter, former mistress of one-time presidential hopeful John Edwards. "Extra" was also a force on the campaign trail, criss-crossing America with Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton even responded to comments by Simon Cowell that she should "cry more," telling "Extra," "Well Simon, if you heard me sing you'd be shedding tears." Lindsay Lohan's father, Michael Lohan, came first to "Extra" about his daughter's stint in rehab and rumored lesbian love affair, and Carrie Underwood told only "Extra" her breakup with "Gossip Girl's" Chance Crawford happened via text message.

Mario Lopez becomes "Extra's" solo anchor after co-hosting "Extra's" weekend edition since January 2007. Longtime co-host Dayna Devon transitions into a special correspondent role, focusing on major celebrity interviews. Mark McGrath leaves the show at his request to refocus on his musical career with his band, Sugar Ray.

In addition to his role on Extra, Lopez hosts MTV/Warner Horizon Television's hit reality-competition series "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew." He just wrapped a sold-out run on Broadway's "A Chorus Line" and he's presently a recurring commentator for"HBO Boxing."   

Lopez is also a regular guest host on "Live with Regis and Kelly" and recently guest starred on "Nip/Tuck" and "George Lopez." People just named Lopez 2008's Hottest Bachelor. On the small screen, Mario recently starred in ABC Family's, "Holiday in Handcuffs" and Oxygen Network's made for TV movie "Husband for Hire." Mario can now add author and fitness expert to his resume. His first book, Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness, was released in stores May 2008. 

Born in San Diego, Lopez began his career on the 1984 television series "A.K.A. Pablo." He has become well known through his roles on NBC's "Saved by the Bell" and USA Network's "Pacific Blue." Lopez co-hosted NBC's daytime talker "The Other Half" and appeared on ESPN's "ESPN Hollywood." Additionally, he portrayed Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis in the MOW "Breaking the Surface: the Greg Louganis Story." His film credits include "Colors," "Depraved" and a starring role in the 1999 independent film "Eastside." He also co-produced and starred in the 2002 independent film "Outta Time."

Lopez is backed by an award-winning team of correspondents including Jerry Penacoli, Carlos Diaz, Terri Seymour and New York-based reporter AJ Calloway. Tanika Ray serves as daily correspondent and Lopez's co-host on "Extra's" Weekend Edition.

"Extra" is the only national newsmagazine with a full-time bureau in Las Vegas, giving "Extra" dominant access to stars in Vegas. The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino houses the Extra Lounge and runs in-house "Extra" programming that reaches millions of hotel guests. Since establishing "Extra's" Las Vegas Bureau in 2005, "Extra" has landed one Sin City exclusive after another, including newsworthy interviews with mega stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Beyoncé, Jessica Simpson, Bette Midler, Paris Hilton and more.

"Extra" is helmed by Senior Executive Producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey. Her senior production team includes Executive Producer Theresa Coffino and Co-Executive Producer Jeremy Spiegel.

"Extra" is also a force on the web with more than 6.5 million page views each month. The newly revamped Extra Online, accessible at www.extratv.com, breaks entertainment news stories around the clock with regular updates throughout the day. The site also features original content not seen on the TV show, including photo galleries, exclusive video clips, behind the scenes footage and interactive elements like contest and polls.

"Extra" originates in Glendale, Calif. and has fully-staffed bureaus in New York and Las Vegas. The show, with correspondents and producers around the globe, offers a half-hour edition every weekday and an original hour-long weekend installment. Seen in more than 95% of the country, "Extra" airs on major market affiliates, including the key NBC Television owned & operated stations. "Extra" is produced by Telepictures Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.