TLC orders cake-themed docu-soap

TLC has ordered a new docu-soap series called "Cake Boss" that follows acclaimed baker Buddy Valastro (I almost described him as a "master baker" there, then thought better of it).

Valastro's elaborate confections for celebrities like Britney Spears have been featured on shows ranging from "Today" to "The Sopranos." The show will follow the New Jersey-based Valastro and his Italian family as they run Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken.

" 'Cake Boss' is a great mix for TLC," said Eileen O'Neill, the network's president and GM. "There's great payoff watching Buddy's amazing wedding and birthday cakes come to life, set against the backdrop of bigger-than-life characters and a relatable family dynamic."

TLC will air the show's pilot April 19, with the series launching in early June.

"I was born into this business and practically have icing in my blood," Valastro said. "My passion is uniting Old World recipes with modern techniques, and I can't wait to share what we're doing with TLC's audience."

TLC also recently announced a new season of its flagship workplace series "American Chopper" and soon will have season premieres of "Royal Inquest" and "The Little Couple." Since O'Neill took the helm of TLC in August, the network has claimed five consecutive months of year-over-year audience growth.