The TNT drama starring Timothy Hutton will get its off-net syndication launch in 13 major markets.
As host of one of a batch of syndicated talk shows getting set to debut this fall, the longtime Survivor host says there’s room for all of them. “The reason is that a talk show lives or dies with its host. Everyone brings their own strengths. I don’t see it as a threat.” And he says his experiences on Survivor will serve him well: “Dealing with people from all walks of life, who are in extreme conflicts, for almost 13 years … will play into the talk show. That’s where I’ve had the opportunity to hone the craft of interviewing.”
The network purchases all seven seasons of the crime drama from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for airing beginning early next year.
Fuzzy Syndication Picture Coming Into Focus
Syndicators and stations got some answers to the many questions hanging over them for next season lineups. CBS Television Distribution’s Jeff Probst (left) was picked up by the NBC Owned Television Stations. Twentieth Television’s Ricki with Ricki Lake was grabbed by Tribune Broadcasting in New York and seven other markets while Warner Bros.’s Anderson with Anderson Cooper secured key second-season renewals. Still looking for a home is Warner Bros.’s Bethenny Frankel.
Station groups picking up the new daytime talker include CBS Television Stations, Capitol Communications, Cox Media Group, Fox Television Stations, Hearst Television, LIN Media, Local TV and Sinclair Broadcast Group. That comes on top of the show’s launch group, NBC’s 10 owned stations, which picked it up last month. The additions make it a virtual certainty to launch in fall 2012.
The Laff Is Back: Sitcoms New Syndie Favs
Stations will have a lot of options for filling their off-net syndication needs in 2013 and beyond. Following the stunning success of ABC’s Modern Family, the growth of half-hour comedies on the networks is providing a new batch of shows for syndication. Right behind Twentieth Television’s Family are Sony Pictures Television’s Community, Twentieth’s The Cleveland Show, Warner Bros.’ The Middle and possibly Disney-ABC’s Cougar Town and NBC Universal’s Parks and Recreation.
Exclusives
‘Katie’ A Go As Clearances Top 60% Of U.S.
Stiff weekly license fees, Couric’s subpar showing on CBS and some other issues have made the new talker from Disney-ABC a challenging sale, say some broadcasters. But deals with Hearst, Cox, Scripps and others put the show in 20 of the top 25 markets and in good shape for a syndication debut next fall. They also boost it way out ahead of other talk shows vying for pickup for next season.
NBCU’s new daytime talk show with British host Trisha Goddard is a conflict talker in the mold of NBCU’s Maury. It’s being sold on a cash-plus-barter basis (four national minutes/11 local) for fall 2012.
Up For Grabs: Syndies Scramble Toward 2012
Disney-ABC’s talker with Katie Couric has grabbed the headlines in the wake of Oprah Winfrey’s departure from afternoon syndicated lineups. But she’s far from alone in the race for station slots starting in fall 2012. As things now stand, Couric could be battling against talk shows featuring a defrocked priest (from Debmar-Mercury), one of those Real Housewives (from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution), the host of Survivor (from CBS Television Distribution) and the now-42 year-old Ricki Lake on a comeback bid (from Twentieth Television)..
A straw poll of station general managers, consultants and other local TV insider finds some who say that while the former CBS anchor faces a difficult road to success, not to underestimate Katie Couric’s wattage.
‘Judge Judy’ Passes ‘Oprah’ In Syndie Race
In the wake of the February sweeps, most shows experienced a dip. Although Judge Judy and Two and a Half Men held steady, ranking No. 1 among all the daytime shows and sitcoms, respectively.
| NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent begins double-run weekday syndication runs in the fall on station groups including Fox, CBS, Sinclair, Hearst, LIN and Local TV. |
Tim Voit and Sewee Entertainment announced the third season for the MLK Holiday Tribute Raising the Roof. Broadcast affiliates scheduling the 2011 event include ABC O&Os WABC New York, KABC […]
Alfred “Al” Masini, the producer who created a number of hit shows including Entertainment Tonight, Star Search, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Solid Gold, has died in Honolulu.
Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution sells the new syndicated talk show in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston for a fall 2011 launch.
Tribune and Sinclair stations re-up with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for the second cycle of the No. 1 syndicated comedy.
Gene Lavelle today was been named senior vice president, distribution at Associated Television International (ATI). Lavelle will oversee the syndication division, while contributing in international and ancillary markets. Laura McKenzie’s […]
Syndicators In Home Stretch For Fall 2011
Talk is dominating the first-run marketplace with Warner Bros.’ Anderson Cooper, Sony’s Lisa Oz and Tribune’s Bill Cunningham vying for slots on TV schedules next fall. Figuring there is also room for a dating-reality show in late fringe or late night, CBS is hoping to catch the eye of broadcasters with Excused.
