Described as a "reality TV magazine," UPN's Get This Party Started was created by Lara Shriftman, who ran a major publicity/marketing firm specializing in promoting products and sidelining in the organization of elaborate special events (Shriftman's partner was Elizabeth Harrison, with whom she had co-authored several advice books). The series focused on the "special event" aspect of Shriftman's business. In each hour-long episode, a deserving person was surprised with a lavish and expensive party, thrown in his or her honor by friends and family members. In the debut episode, a young man celebrated his 21st birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino; and in episode number two, the highlight was a surprise graduation party, held at Arizona State University with a full complement of sexy cheerleaders. Actors Kristin Cavallari (Laguna Beach) and Ethan Erickson hosted the series, which debuted on February 7, 2006. Though scheduled for a full 13 weeks, Get This Party Started went on hiatus after only two installments, possibly because of the corporate nervousness attending UPN's upcoming merger with WB. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi