PROGRAM PARTNERS HITS 98% FOR ‘DA VINCI’

Da Vinci’s Inquest, the syndicated crime drama distributed in the U.S. by Program Partners, is heading into its second year with clearances in 98% of the country and more than 200 station affiliates, including all major markets.

“Da Vinci’s Inquest has done well for us, and we’re excited about heading into a second year,” said Bill Butler, vice president of programming and promotion for Sinclair Broadcast Group. “The showhas really performed beyond our expectations.”

The show earned a season-to-date high of 2.1/2.2% AA/GAA and a season average of 1.8/2.0% AA/GAA in its first year in U.S. syndication. And Program Partners says the series has reached No. 1 in multiple metered markets on a weekly basis throughout its debut year.

This fall, Program Partners will provide station affiliates with a triple-punch of procedural drama when Da Vinci’s Inquest is joined by the new “Crime Watch” offering of Cold Squad and Stone Undercover, all of which are being marketedas an outgrowth of the company’s worldwide distribution agreement with Thunderbird Films.