TUNE-IN ALERT:
The NYC Field Guide: How to Thrive in the Five, A Brand-New Television Show To Premiere on NYC Life, Channel 25

First Episode Airs Wednesday, June 26, 8PM on NYC Media, the Broadcast Network for the City of NY

13-episode Series Offers New Yorkers Advice, Tips and Humor for Thriving in NYC, Featuring Bob's Dance Shop, Celebrity Chef David Burke, Comedian Roy Wood Jr., and 17 NYC Departments, Including Transportation, Health & NYPD

More Information, Including Show Promo and Photos, Available Here

NEW YORK, June 21, 2024 – NYC Media, the official broadcast network and production group for the City of New York and part of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and Next Millennium Productions (NMP) are proud to debut a new television series The NYC Field Guide: How to Thrive in the Five, hosted by Emmy-award winner Micaéla Birmingham. The 13-episode series will feature 30-minute episodes offering unique tips, hacks and expert information from celebrities, New Yorkers and NYC officials for how to live, work and play in the five boroughs of New York City. The NYC Field Guide: How to Thrive in the Five will debut on Wednesday, June 26, 8PM on NYC Life (WNYE-TV), the City's Emmy Award-winning lifestyle channel that has been providing residents with entertaining, non-commercial, educational programming for the past 56 years on the NYC Media television network.

"The NYC Field Guide: How to Thrive in the Five - a cheat sheet on how to successfully navigate NYC - is the perfect example of the content NYC Media creates and airs round-the-clock to keep New Yorkers entertained and educated about their city," said Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Pat Swinney Kaufman. "This new series, airing weekly on the NYC Life channel, highlights the work of the agencies and 300,000 employees who make NYC run. Congratulations to NYC Media's General Manager and Executive Producer Karen Johnson for conceptualizing a show for all New Yorkers to enjoy!"

"Thriving in a city of nearly 9 million people takes determination, practice and a New York state of mind. What better way to showcase the limitless spirit of the city than a show about how to hack it like a pro," said Show Host and Writer Micaéla Birmingham.

SCHEDULE OF FIRST THREE EPISODES:

• Wednesday, June 26, 8PM: "Walking" - Internationally known local dance group Bob's Dance Shop shows New Yorkers how a Flash Mob is done. Department of Transportation's Deputy Commissioner for Transportation Planning and Management Eric Beaton shares what the city is doing to make streets and sidewalks safer for pedestrians.
  
  
• Wednesday, July 3, 8PM: "Dining Out" - Comedian Roy Wood Jr. shares his go-to late-night restaurant picks and a passionate plea for not overstuffing your bodega bagel. Celebrity Chef David Burke gives tips on tipping well or not at all. Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Corrine Schiff gives the low-down on restaurant inspection letter grades from A to C.
  
  
• Wednesday, July 10, 8PM: "Riding the Subway" - NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper gives the lowdown on subway safety and shares tips for staying safe on the train. Learn the hack for standing on the platform in the exact spot where the conductor car will pull in. This episode shares a humorous PSA about how to "stop the spread" of passengers taking up too much real estate on the subway.
  

Throughout the rest of the season, The NYC Field Guide will highlight all the ways the City works for New Yorkers, and feature a slew of additional NYC employees as they give tips on how to enjoy the water safely, grow older in New York, go to school, and much more.

NYC AGENCIES AND EMPLOYEES FEATURED:

• July 17 "Outdoors" - Department of Parks and Recreation Parks Ranger Adam Rodriguez, Freshkills Park Administrator Mark Murphy and GreenThumb Community Engagement Coordinator Vanessa Cabrera
• July 24 "Driving" - Department of Environmental Protection Chief Operating Officer Vincent Sapienza, Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton, Department of Finance Parking Summons Advocate Anthony Tse, Taxi & Limousine Commission Law Enforcement Lieutenant Walter Colon and NYPD Auto Crimes Unit Officer Robert LaPollo
  
• July 31 "Kids" - Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Doula Service Coordinator Berenice Kernizan and Administration for Children's Services Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Child and Family Well-being Elizabeth Wolkomir
• August 7 "Water" - Department of Parks & Recreation First Deputy Commissioner of Operations Iris Rodriguez-Rosa and Department of City Planning Director of Climate and Sustainability Planning Michael Marrella
• August 14 "Growing Older" - Department of the Aging Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme
• August 21 "Fashion" - Economic Development Corporation VP of Initiatives Sonia Park
• August 28 "Schools" - Public Schools Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sammi Oerlemans
• September 4 "Apartment Living" - Department of Housing Preparation and Development Associate Commissioner for Housing Policy Lucy Joffe
• September 11 "Starting a Business" - Department of Small Business Services Director of NYC BEST Berthe Ambroise
• September 18 "Trash" - Office of the Mayor Director of Rodent Mitigation Kathleen Corradi and Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Director of Neighborhood Interventions Caroline Bragdon

The NYC Field Guide: How to Thrive in the Five is created by the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and produced in collaboration with minority and woman owned production company Next Millennium Productions (NMP) based in lower Manhattan. The Emmy-nominated company has been a MOME production partner for over a decade.

"We're always inspired by the streets of New York and thrilled to celebrate our city together dancing with fellow New Yorkers," said Vince Coconato, Creative Director Bob's Dance Shop. 

"Hey, we're walking here! And we're giving New Yorkers the tools they need to thrive in this ever-evolving city," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "We thank the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for helping to educate New Yorkers on the ways NYC DOT is making our streets and sidewalks safer and more welcoming for pedestrians."

"Whether picking a restaurant or preventing rats, we've got you covered," said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "Hear from the experts —because even the most seasoned New Yorkers appreciate an inside tip."

"We really are the city that never sleeps: The nation's largest subway system never closes, our bodegas are always open, and New Yorkers are constantly running around doing things," said New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward A. Caban. "The men and women of the NYPD are honored to serve the millions of people who call New York City home, as well as the millions more who come here each day to work or visit. Importantly, everyone needs to know that there is an actual law — there should be, at least — against eating a slice of pizza with a knife and a fork; self-respecting New Yorkers know to fold and eat it while standing on the sidewalk."

“Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just stepped off the bus, The NYC Field Guide delivers the kind of hacks and hook ups that make our city safer and more livable—all presented by experts and insiders who've made it their job to know the system and help fellow citizens,” said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Do.

“Affordable child care is a necessity, and now that families can apply for child care assistance online, New York City is making it easier than ever before to ‘thrive in the five.’ The NYC Field Guide will help get crucial information out to families about how we are increasing access to child care assistance across the city. If determined eligible for child care assistance, a child care voucher will help families cover most or all of the cost of child care at a qualified provider of your choice. Visit mycity.nyc.gov to learn more,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser.

"Navigating the vibrant pulse of New York City demands more than just a map; it requires a guide enriched with the collective wisdom of our city agencies and fellow New Yorkers. Congratulations to MOME for launching this new show which will provide unique tips and advice on navigating our urban jungle," said NYC Parks Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "Understanding the significance of water safety is essential for enjoying our beaches and pools, and our agency stands ready to equip all New Yorkers with the knowledge needed to do so safely and soundly."