The death of 'thrilled'

From the past month alone....

"We're THRILLED to be doing another season of 'High School Reunion' for the good people of TV Land!" said Mike Fleiss.

"We are THRILLED to have such an amazing lineup of celebrated chefs putting their reputations on the line for their charities," said Jane Lipsitz, Executive Producer, Magical Elves.

"I am THRILLED to join Fox Reality Channel for this unique and sensational next chapter in my life," said Cindy Margolis. 

“We are THRILLED to extend our ongoing collaboration with Nickelodeon, whose creative expertise in producing hit TV series is second to none,” said Ann Daly, Chief Operating Officer of DreamWorks Animation.

"It's a valuable franchise and proven competitor and we're THRILLED to have Mr. Trump and Mr. Burnett back to create another brilliant season,” said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

“The Television Academy is THRILLED to have Don returning," said John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

"We are THRILLED to be announcing such an awesome slate of new series that build on our existing quality brand and deliver emotional, human stories," said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"We are THRILLED to team up with MTV in an innovative rollout of this entertainment series," said Ben Silverman.

““Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage represent ‘A’ sitcoms for that audience. We are THRILLED during these challenging times to have crafted an arrangement that offers stations flexibility and tremendous upside,” said Ken Werner, president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

"We're THRILLED to continue our successful relationship with Bravo," said Bryan Scott and Lisa M. Tucker, co-owners of Picture This Television.

“We are THRILLED to be working with George and Nickelodeon on this movie,” said Diane Nelson, President, Warner Premiere.

““We couldn’t be more THRILLED that Fringe will continue to freak people out for at least another season!” said J.J. Abrams, series co-creator and executive producer.

"We are THRILLED to kick off our new night of original programming with 'Dance Your Ass Off'," says Amy Introcaso-Davis, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Development, Oxygen. 

"Over the last few years, Tori and Dean have become one of America's favorite families and one of Oxygen's break out series," said Amy Introcaso-Davis, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Production, Oxygen Media. “Oxygen is THRILLED to bring its viewers the 'Hollywood family next door'."

Commenting on her relationship with Oxygen, Ms. Spelling said: "Dean and I are THRILLED to be extending our partnership with everyone at Oxygen who became like family when we embarked on this new television adventure. “

"We are THRILLED to be teaming with the Canadian Film Centre on this ground-breaking program," says Ron Suter, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Canada, NBC Universal.

“I'm THRILLED to complete the saga of Henry VIII as reconceived by Michael Hirst,” said Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment for Showtime.

“We were incredibly happy with the first ‘Battlestar Galactica’ auction in January and we know the fans will be just as THRILLED with this final auction as well,” said Kurt Ford, Senior Vice President, Production Services, Universal Media Studios.  

"I'm THRILLED to be doing this for COMEDY CENTRAL.  The last time I was Roasted I was half of a two-for-one special: Joan of Arc and me," said Joan Rivers.

“This deal represents a groundbreaking promotional initiative for Lifetime, and the Network is THRILLED to have Vaseline Aloe Fresh as the Presenting Sponsor and marketing partner for Maneater,” said Debbie Richman, Lifetime Networks’ Executive Vice President, Ad Sales. 

So, publicists, when writing press releases, you can be just as agreeably enthusiastic using “excited” or “happy” or “elated” or “proud” or “honored.” Better yet, drop the obligatory gushing altogether and just say what makes this announcement a good idea. We sorta assume you're happy about the deal, or you wouldn't be doing it. Using “thrilled” for an executive’s quote zoomed past cliché years ago and now carries a sarcastic tinge. One starts to imagine industry leaders either running around in giddy hysterics, or cynically telling their publicists, “just say, ‘I’m thrilled to partner with him, blah-blah-blah...’”