The History Channel: ‘Vikings’ Renewed For Season Two

Via Press Release:

HISTORY® ORDERS SECOND SEASON OF 

HIT SCRIPTED SERIES 

VIKINGS 

#1 NEW CABLE SERIES OF THE YEAR 

EARNS TEN EPISODE ORDER

New York, New York, April 5, 2013 – HISTORY has picked up VIKINGS, its first scripted drama series for a 10-episode second season, it was announced today by Dirk Hoogstra, EVP, Development and Programming for HISTORY. Created and written by Michael Hirst, the renewal comes just five episodes into the VIKINGS freshman season. Four new episodes remain in the current season airing Sundays at 10 p.m. with the season finale slated for Sunday, April 28 at 10 p.m. 

VIKINGS continues to be the #1 new cable series in 2013 and has propelled HISTORY to #1 in cable in its Sunday 10-11 p.m. time period. Over the five weeks, the hit drama series averaged 5.0 million total viewers, 2.2 million Adults 25-54 and 1.9 Adults 18-49. This past Sunday, episode five delivered 4.7 million total viewers, 2.2 million Adults 25-54 and 1.7 million Adults 18-49. This was up 4% among total viewers and up 5% among Adults 25-54 from last week.

“Vikings is a win win for us. As our first scripted series, VIKINGS has paid off in a big way with critical acclaim, strong ratings and a passionate, loyal fan base. It came out of the gate strong and has stayed on top, solidifying HISTORY as a major player in the scripted genre, just as we are in reality,” said Hoogstra. “We could not be more proud of the entire cast and crew and everyone involved in the making of VIKINGS. Michael Hirst has captured audiences with his complex, compelling characters and brought the unknown, epic world of these warriors to life. Season Two will begin production this summer to air in 2014.”

MGM Television brought the series to the network and brings VIKINGS to the global audience, serving as the international distributor outside of Ireland, Canada and the U.S.

“We are very excited that VIKINGS is generating so much attention worldwide,” said Roma Khanna, President, Television Group and Digital, MGM. “MGM is thrilled to have the continued support and enthusiasm of our partners at HISTORY and to work with an amazing international team as they bring Michael Hirst’s vision to audiences around the globe.”

VIKINGS, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors. The drama portrays the world of these Dark Age raiders, traders, explorers – not from an outsider’s view, but, through the eyes of Viking society.

While VIKINGS is filled with conflict, warfare and bloodshed – for these were extreme times – it is a family saga at heart. It follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel, The Beast, Baytown Outlaws), a curious, compelling man who is always looking to break through barriers and discover new worlds to conquer. Ragnar is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment, Usual Suspects, Millers Crossing), who continues to send his Vikings raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves.

Joining Fimmel and Byrne are Katheryn Winnick (Bones, Love and Other Drugs, The Black Marks) as Lagertha, a fierce shield maiden and Ragnar’s wife; Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee, Heroes, Nip/Tuck, Friday Night Lights) as Siggy, Earl Haraldson’s beautiful wife; George Blagden (Les Miserables, Wrath of the Titans) as Athelstan, a young, innocent Christian monk captured by Ragnar on his first raid on England, Clive Standen (Camelot, Robin Hood) as Rollo, Ragnar’s impulsive, wild, care-free brother and Gustaf Skarsgard (The Way Back) a ship builder who designs the new generation of Vikings ships.

Created and written by Michael Hirst – one of the premier historical story-tellers in the industry (Academy-Award winning film Elizabeth; and the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series The Tudors), Michael serves as Executive Producer along with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; The Tudors), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (The Tudors; The Borgias), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn (The Tudors; The Borgias) and Sheila Hockin (The Tudors; The Borgias). Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs are the Executives in Charge of Production for HISTORY.

VIKINGS is an international Irish/Canadian co-production being co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. HISTORY will broadcast domestically in the U.S. MGM Television will bring VIKINGS to the global audience, serving as the international distributor outside of Ireland, Canada and the U.S. VIKINGS is produced in association with Shaw Media, and the series will air on HISTORY in Canada.

About HISTORY®

HISTORY® is the leading destination for factual entertainment, including award-winning original series and specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network’s all-original programming slate, including scripted event programming, features a roster of hits including American Pickers®, American Restoration™, Ax Men™, Ice Road Truckers®, Pawn Stars®, Swamp People® and Top Shot® as well as epic mini-series and specials such as the Emmy® Award-winning Hatfields & McCoys, Gettysburg, Vietnam in HD, America The Story of Us, and 102 Minutes That Changed America. The HISTORY website is the leading online resource for all things history, and in 2011, the United States Library of Congress selected HISTORY’s Civil War 150 site for inclusion in the historic collection of Internet materials related to the American Civil War sesquicentennial. http://www.history.com

CBS: 18 Primetime Shows Renewed, ‘Person Of Interest,’ ‘Elementary,’ ‘NCIS,’ More…

Via Press Release:

CBS RENEWS 18 PRIMETIME SHOWS FOR THE 2013-2014 SEASON

Returning Series Showcase the Ratings Success and Programming Depth of Television’s

#1 Network in Viewers, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54

March 27, 2013 – CBS announced today it has renewed 18 returning series from television’s top-rated lineup for the 2013-2014 broadcast season.

The mass renewals showcase the strength and stability of television’s leading network among viewers, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54.  This season, CBS is home to the #1 program/drama (NCIS), the #1 comedy (THE BIG BANG THEORY),  the #1 new series (ELEMENTARY) and the #1 newsmagazine (60 MINUTES).

The renewals, comprising 16 hours of its primetime schedule, include four comedies, nine dramas, three reality series and two newsmagazines.  The returning shows encompass every night of the week and every hour, many of which rank #1 in their time period and some which rank #1 for the entire night.

The renewed comedies include the previously announced THE BIG BANG THEORY, the final season of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER as well as 2 BROKE GIRLS and MIKE & MOLLY.

Among the returning dramas are the previously announced NCIS, television’s #1 program and top drama for the fourth consecutive year, and the time period-winning CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION.

Other dramas renewed include NCIS: LOS ANGELES, the #2 drama for the third straight year; PERSON OF INTEREST, the fastest-growing show on network television; ELEMENTARY, the season’s most-watched new program; as well as HAWAII FIVE-0, THE MENTALIST, BLUE BLOODS and THE GOOD WIFE.

The Network’s three Emmy Award-winning reality series — THE AMAZING RACE, SURVIVOR and UNDERCOVER BOSS — also return with new editions.

60 MINUTES, television’s #1 newsmagazine, and 48 HOURS, Saturday’s #1 non-sports program, will return in the fall.

In addition, CBS and Warner Bros. Television are in discussions regarding another season for TWO AND A HALF MEN.

Season-to-date, CBS is first in viewers (12.22m), adults 18-49 (3.0/08) and adults 25-54 (3.9/10).

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FX: ‘Justified’ Renewed For Season Five

Yeah, big shocker, we know…

Via Press Release:

NEW YORK, March 28, 2013 – FX Networks announced a slew of pickups this morning, with Justified getting a fifth season pickup on FX, while It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League and Legit will all return and move to FXX, announced John Landgraf, President & General Manager, FX Networks.The critically-acclaimed drama series Justified, starring Timothy Olyphant, will continue to run on FX. Season five begins production this fall and will air on FX in January 2014. Season four is currently airing, with the season finale slated to air next Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 PM ET/PT. To date, season four is pacing to be Justified’s most-watched season ever.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League and Legit will all move to FXX.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s ninth season will air on FXX this fall, and the network has also placed an order for a tenth season that will air in the fall of 2014. One of the most successful comedies in all of basic cable, Sunny’s eighth season ranked #2 in its basic cable time period in Men 18-49 and Men 18-34 (behind only the NFL on the NFL Network) and #2 in Adults 18-34 and Women 18-34 (behind Jersey Shore).

The League’s already announced fifth season will air on FXX this fall, and the network is announcing a sixth season pickup that will air on FXX in the fall of 2014. Last season, The League ranked #2 in its basic cable time period in M18-49, behind only the NFL on NFL Network.

The new critically-acclaimed comedy Legit’s first season will end on FX Thursday, April 11 at 10:30PM ET/PT. The show has officially been picked up for a second season, and will be moving to FXX, returning in early 2014. Legit continues to build an audience, growing by +25% from its first three episodes to its second three episodes.

Developed by Graham Yost and starring Timothy Olyphant, Justified is based on the works of crime novelist Elmore Leonard, including Leonard’s short story “Fire in the Hole.” The series co-stars Walton Goggins, Nick Searcy, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel and Joelle Carter. Yost wrote the pilot and serves as executive producer/showrunner on the series. Leonard is also an executive producer on the series along with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, Michael Dinner and Fred Golan. Justified is produced by Sony Pictures Television and FX Productions.

TBS: ‘Cougar Town’ Renewed For Season Five

Via Press Release:

Break Out the Wine – TBS’s “Cougar Town” is Coming Back for Season 5

#cougartownrenewed

TBS has renewed its hit original comedy Cougar Town, produced by ABC Studios and starringCourteney Cox, Christa Miller, Busy Philipps,Dan Byrd, Ian Gomez, Josh Hopkins and Brian Van Holt. The network has ordered 13 episodes for season five, which is expected to launch in 2014. Cougar Town joined the TBS lineup in January for the show’s fourth season. It currently airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), with the season finale slated for April 9.

“Cougar Town has been everything we hoped it would be: a smart, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud comedy that shines a bright light on the TBS brand,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “This season, the brilliant cast and immensely creative production team on Cougar Townhave crafted their best episodes yet, and we couldn’t be happier inviting them back for more.”

Cougar Town centers on the “cul de sac crew,” a tight-knit group of friends who keep things funny while supporting each other through the challenges and pitfalls of life – with a little dysfunction and a whole lot of wine. Courteney Cox stars as Jules Cobb, a recently remarried mom who is never far from her wine and her friends, including her new husband, Grayson (Josh Hopkins); her under-achieving ex-husband, Bobby (Brian Van Holt); her next-door neighbor and confidante, Ellie (Christa Miller); her feisty protégé, Laurie (Busy Philipps); and Ellie’s loveably average husband, Andy (Ian Gomez). They are frequently joined by Jules’ 21-year-old son, Travis (Dan Byrd), who tends to be far more mature than anyone else in the group.

Cougar Town was co-created by executive producer Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Spin City) and consulting producer Kevin Biegel (Scrubs). Courteney Cox and David Arquette also serve as executive producers.

Cougar Town Ratings

Since launching its fourth season on TBS Jan. 8, Cougar Town has averaged 2.8 million viewers,1.7 million adults 18-49 and 812,000 adults 18-34 in Live + 7 delivery. The show ranks as TBS’s top original primetime series ever with adults 18-49 and total viewers. As part of Cougar Town‘s successful transition to cable, new episodes on TBS are drawing an audience whose median age is seven years younger than the show’s last season on broadcast.

Connect with TBS’s Cougar Town

Website: http://www.tbs.com/show/cougar-town
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CougarTownTBS  | #CougarTownTBS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CougarTown

About TBS

TBS is basic cable’s reigning champion among young adults in primetime. Available in 100 million households, TBS features original primetime comedy series like Cougar Town, Men at Work,Sullivan & Son, King of the Nerds, Who Gets the Last Laugh? and Deon Cole’s Black Box, as well as the Emmy®-winning late-night series CONAN, starring Conan O’Brien. TBS also features an outstanding slate of contemporary comedies, such as The Big Bang Theory and Family Guy, along with blockbuster movies and championship sports. In addition, TBS produces special live comedy events, like the star-studded comedy festival held each year in Chicago.

TBS is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Turner Broadcasting creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Connect with TBS

Website: http://www.tbs.com
Pressroom: http://tbsnewsroom.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TBSveryfunny
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TBSveryfunny | http://twitter.com/TBSPR

CBS: ‘NCIS’ Renewed For 11th Season

Via Press Release:

CBS ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR “NCIS” STAR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MARK HARMON; “NCIS,” TELEVISION’S #1 SERIES AND A GLOBAL LEADER, IS RENEWED FOR 2013-2014 SEASON

February 2, 2013 – CBS announced today a new contract extension for NCIS star and executive producer Mark Harmon, and that the U.S. and global ratings phenomenon NCIS has been renewed for the 2013-2014 season.

“In a world gone niche, NCIS keeps getting bigger, and Mark Harmon continues to define the role of leading man on the #1 show on television,” said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation.  “NCIS is the type of franchise every company wants in today’s global content ecosystem – high-quality storytelling that generates passionate viewers and drives revenue on every conceivable platform.”

Currently in its 10th season, NCIS continues to hit ratings milestones.  This season, for the first time ever, it ranks as television’s #1 program (ahead of Sunday Night Football).  NCIS is averaging 21.48 million viewers, up +7% over last year and is the highest-rated drama among adults 25-54 (5.9/15), while averaging 4.2/12 in adults 18-49.  The series delivered its second-largest live plus same day audience on Jan. 15, averaging 22.86 million viewers.  That total soared to 25.36 million viewers with L+3 day lift, marking the first NCIS broadcast to deliver more than 25 million viewers with live plus 3-day lift or live plus 7-day lift.

 NCIS is also an international hit, licensed in more than 200 markets.  It is the #1 series on M6 in France, the #1 U.S. series on Rai2 in Italy and the #2 U.S. series overall, the #1 U.S. series on TV3 in Sweden, the #2 U.S. series on LaSexta in Spain, the #2 U.S. drama on Network Ten in Australia and the #3 U.S. series on Sat1 in Germany.

In domestic syndication, NCIS is broadcast on USA Network and ranks as cable’s #1 off-network drama.

NCIS premiered on CBS in 2003-2004. Since its debut, NCIS’s ratings have steadily climbed, finishing 2008-2009 ranked fifth among all primetime programs.  During the 2009-2010 season it became the #1 drama/scripted program on television, and has remained the #1 drama ever since.

NCIS stars Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, Sean Murray, Pauley Perrette, Rocky Carroll, Brian Dietzen and David McCallum.  Gary Glasberg, Chas. Floyd Johnson, Mark Horowitz, Mark Harmon, Shane Brennan, George Schenck, Frank Cardea and Donald P. Bellisario are executive producers for Belisarius Productions in association with CBS Television Studios.

Mark Harmon is represented by Paradigm and attorney Barry Axelrod.

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Cinemax: ‘Banshee’ Renewed For Season Two

Via Press Release:

CINEMAX RENEWS ACTION SERIES BANSHEE FOR SECOND SEASON

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2013 – CINEMAX has renewed the action series BANSHEE for a second season, scheduled to debut in 2014, it was announced today by Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries and CINEMAX Programming. The show is currently in its first season, with episodes debuting Friday at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Executive produced by Jonathan Tropper, David Schickler, Peter Macdissi, Alan Ball and Greg Yaitanes, BANSHEE stars Antony Starr (“Rush”) as Lucas Hood, an ex-con and master thief who assumes the identity of the sheriff of Banshee, Pa., where he continues his criminal activities, even as he’s hunted by the shadowy gangsters he betrayed years earlier. Scripts for the first season are conceived and written by Tropper and Schickler.  Writers John Romano (“Monk”), Evan Dunsky (“Two and a Half Men”), and Doug Jung (HBO’s “Big Love”) join Schickler and Tropper for season two.

Also starring in season one of the series are: Ivana Milicevic (“Charlie’s Angels,” HBO’s “Mind of the Married Man”), Ulrich Thomsen (“The Celebration”), Frankie Faison (“The Good Wife,” HBO’s “The Wire”), Hoon Lee (“Premium Rush”), Rus Blackwell (“Burn Notice,” HBO’s “Recount”), Matt Servitto (HBO’s “The Sopranos”), Demetrius Grosse (“Justified”), Trieste Kelly Dunn (“Brothers and Sisters”), Ryann Shane (“Blue Bloods”), Daniel Ross Owens (“Prison Break”), Lili Simmons (“Fat Kid Rules the World”) and Ben Cross (“Star Trek,” “Ben-Hur”).

The ten-episode first season of BANSHEE, which began Jan. 11, has inspired critical raves, with the Hollywood Reporter calling it “taut, entertaining and smart,” and the Wall Street Journal describing the show as “enticing” and “indisputably satisfying.”

For more on the series, visit cinemax.com/banshee, facebook.com/cinemax, twitter.com @Cinemax #Banshee and youtube.com/Cinemax.

SHOWTIME: ‘Shameless,’ ‘House Of Lies’ & ‘Californication’ Renewed

Via Press Release:

SHOWTIME® ORDERS ANOTHER ROUND OF SHAMELESS, HOUSE OF LIES & CALIFORNICATION

Following Record-Breaking Season Premieres And Continued Year-To-Year Audience Growth, All Three Hit Series To Return in 2014

LOS ANGELES, CA – (January 29, 2013) – After record-setting premiere ratings on the network’s Sunday night line-up and continued year-to-year audience growth, SHOWTIME has picked up brand new seasons of SHAMELESS, HOUSE OF LIES and CALIFORNICATION for 2014. The announcement was made today by David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.  Season-to-date, all three series are pacing above their prior seasons across platforms. The third of season of SHAMELESS is up 22 percent, currently averaging 5.4 million weekly viewers across platforms (vs. second season average of 4.4 million), and up 63 percent versus its first season (vs. 3.3 million). The second season of HOUSE OF LIES is averaging 3.2 million weekly viewers across platforms, up 10 percent from its freshman season (vs. 2.91 million), and the sixth season of CALIFORNICATION is averaging 3.1 million weekly viewers, up 21 percent versus season five (vs. 2.5 million). Production for the new seasons of all three series will kick-off in Los Angeles later this year.

“Californication, House of Lies, and Shameless possess highly distinctive comedic voices, and given that all three continue to grow their audience season after season – the pick-up decision was easy,” said Nevins. “I am incredibly excited to see what each of these series has in store for their next seasons.”

SHAMELESS, HOUSE OF LIES and CALIFORNICATION returned on January 13 with their highest-rated episodes ever, up double-digits versus their series averages and besting their prior season premieres and season finales. In its third week (January 27), SHAMELESS delivered 2.53 million viewers for the night, the series’ biggest total night ever, outperforming the season three premiere night (vs. 2.44 million – 2 plays). On Sunday, HOUSE OF LIES’ third episode was on par with its season premiere, which delivered the series’ best numbers ever, with 1.4 million viewers for the night across two plays. CALIFORNICATION’s third episode attracted 1.05 million viewers.

From Emmy® Award-winning television and film producer John Wells, SHAMELESS (Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT) stars Academy Award® nominee William H. Macy and Golden Globe® nominee Emmy Rossum.  Season three picked up several months after last season ended, with the Gallaghers each seeking their own unique version of the “American Dream.” Fiona (Emmy Rossum) realizes that it’s going to take more than earning her GED to make ends meet, and that a long term relationship with Jimmy (Justin Chatwin) isn’t as fulfilling as she expected.  Brothers Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) continue their ingenious scamming ways, which threatens Ian’s shot at West Point, while Sheila (Joan Cusack, in her Emmy Award-nominated role) and Jody (Zach McGowan) do their best to raise baby Hymie. Meanwhile, Frank (Macy) reappears south of the border with no idea as to how he got there. The series also stars Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Laura Slade Wiggins, Noel Fisher and Emma Greenwell. Based on the long-running hit UK series, SHAMELESS is executive produced by Emmy Award-winning television and film producer John Wells, Andrew Stearn and Mark Mylod. Wells developed the series for American television. Paul Abbott serves as Executive Consultant. SHAMELESS is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

HOUSE OF LIES (Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT), which stars Don Cheadle in his Golden Globe^® Award-winning and Emmy nominated performance as Marty Kaan, is a timely comedy that dives head-first into the shark tank known as corporate America. Marty is the big-money earner at Galweather Stearn, who commands a hot, young team known as The Pod: Jeannie (Kristen Bell), Clyde (Ben Schwartz) and Doug (Josh Lawson). Marty and The Pod’s work life revolves around first-class travel, top-shelf liquor and anything they can charge the client on a black Am Ex. Marty is the ultimate power player and under his direction, this ruthless, pull-no-punches team is here to beat the corporate suckers at their own game – and they’re loving every minute of it. This season, The Pod – especially Marty and Jeannie – must deal with the fall-out from the big merger showdown. On the home front, Marty is thrown when Roscoe (Donis Leonard Jr.) decides to move in with his unbalanced mother, Monica (Dawn Olivieri). The series is based on the hit tell-all book from best-selling author Martin Kihn (House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Then Tell You the Time). Produced by SHOWTIME, HOUSE OF LIES is created and executive produced by Matthew Carnahan. Jessika Borsiczky, Stephen Hopkins and Don Cheadle also serve as executive producers.

CALIFORNICATION (Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT) stars David Duchovny in his Golden Globe Award-winning role as hedonistic novelist Hank Moody, who struggles to be a good father to his college-aged daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for her mother, and his ex-girlfriend, Karen (Natascha McElhone). For the sixth season, noted actress Maggie Grace (Lost) has signed on for nine episodes as the infamous rock groupie Faith, who develops an unconventional relationship with Hank. She is joined in two episodes by her former Lost co-star Jorge Garcia as an old contact from Faith’s past. International comedy star Tim Minchin takes on the role of Atticus Fetch, a mad-as-a-hatter rock star who will write the music for the Broadway production of Hank’s hit novel.  Fetch enlists the ever-cynical Hank to collaborate on the project, which he calls “…a rock opera about love conquering all.” Notorious rocker Marilyn Manson will also make a guest appearance. CALIFORNICATION is created and executive produced by Tom Kapinos and executive produced by David Duchovny.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2^™, SHOWTIME^® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME^®, SHOWTIME BEYOND^®, SHOWTIME NEXT^®, SHOWTIME WOMEN^®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE^® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD^™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®, FLIX ON DEMAND^® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks^™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel^™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®.

 

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SHOCKER! HBO Renews ‘Game Of Thrones’ For Season Four Within 48 Hours Of Season Three Premiere

Considering that HBO renewed Game of Thrones for seasons two and three within 48 hours of the premieres of seasons one and two, respectively, this really should come as a surprise to no one.  I’m just going to copy and paste this piece and save it in my “Drafts” folder for next year.

Via Press Release:

HBO RENEWS GAME OF THRONES FOR FOURTH SEASON

——–

Season Three Soars To Highest Viewership Yet

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LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2013 – HBO has renewed GAME OF THRONES for a fourth season, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal. The Emmy^®– and Golden Globe-winning series launched its ten-episode third season Sunday, March 31 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, with other episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time.

Among the early critical praise for the third season, the Hollywood Reporter called GAME OF THRONES “addictive and outstanding,” while Newsday termed the series “superb,” awarding the show an A+. The Chicago Tribunehailed the show as “spellbinding” and the Washington Post described it as “masterful.”

According to early data, GAME OF THRONES’ season three premiere March 31 on HBO topped the series’ highs, with record viewership for both the 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) airing and gross audience across the three plays. At 9:00 p.m., it averaged 4.4 million viewers, outperforming (+4%) the previous high of 4.2 million viewers from last season’s finale. GAMES OF THRONES improved 13% in comparison to last season’s premiere of 3.9 million viewers. Across the three plays for the night, 6.7 million viewers tuned in, surpassing last season’s debut night of 6.3 million viewers by 7%. Last season, GAME OF THRONES had an average gross audience (HBO linear plays + HBO On Demand/HBO GO + DVR) of 11.6 million viewers.

For more on the series, visit facebook.com/GameOfThrones and twitter.com @GameOfThrones #GameOfThrones.

Season three credits: The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger, Bernadette Caulfield; co-executive producers, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor; produced by Chris Newman, Greg Spence.

CBS: ‘CSI’ Renewed For 14th Season

Via Press Release:

CBS ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION” STAR TED DANSON

CBS ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION” STAR TED DANSON

 “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” the Most Watched Show in the World, Renewed for 2013-2014 Season

 Series Stars Elisabeth Shue, George Eads, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, Paul Guilfoyle, Robert David Hall, Wallace Langham, Elisabeth Harnois, David Berman and Jon Wellner Will Also Return Next Season

March 20, 2013 – CBS announced today a new contract extension for CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION star Ted Danson and that the U.S. and global hit series has been renewed for the 2013-2014 season.  In addition, Academy Award nominee Elisabeth Shue (“Leaving Las Vegas”), original cast members George Eads, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, Paul Guilfoyle and Robert David Hall along with Wallace Langham, Elisabeth Harnois, David Berman and Jon Wellner will also return next season.

“CSI is synonymous with CBS, and we are so proud of the series’ creative and commercial legacy and its continued success on our Network,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “The writers and producers have done an amazing job evolving CSI, reinventing the show around an incredible leading man in Ted Danson, the acclaimed Elisabeth Shue and our beloved and talented core of original cast members.” 

“CSI is one of the top global franchises and is seen in almost every country in the world,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios.  “It defined feature television and its whodunnit storytelling captured audiences since the day it premiered.  We are fortunate to have had Carol Mendelsohn’s creative vision at the helm since the inception, as well as the talents of her partner Don McGill.  The addition of Ted Danson has infused new energy into the series and we couldn’t be more thrilled with its continued worldwide success.”

​Currently in its 13^th season on CBS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION wins its Wednesday (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) time period in viewers (11.85m), adults 18-49 (2.9/08) and adults 25-54 (3.8/09).  It is also a global ratings hit, earning the International TV Audience Award for the “most watched show in the world” for the third consecutive year, and fifth time in seven years. 

Jerry Bruckheimer, Carol Mendelsohn, Anthony Zuiker, Don McGill, Jonathan Littman, Louis Milito, Ann Donahue, Cindy Chvatal and William Petersen are executive producers for CBS Television Studios and Entertainment AB Funding LLC in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

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FOX Renews ‘The Mindy Project,’ ‘New Girl’ & ‘Raising Hope’

Via Press Release:

FOX COMEDIES “NEW GIRL,” “THE MINDY PROJECT” AND “RAISING HOPE”

PICKED UP FOR 2013-2014 SEASON

 

All-New NEW GIRL and THE MINDY PROJECT Air Tuesday, March 12;

One-Hour RAISING HOPE Season Finale Airs Thursday, March 28

FOX has picked up comedy series NEW GIRL, THE MINDY PROJECT and RAISING HOPE for the 2013-14 season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. NEW GIRL was picked up for a third season, THE MINDY PROJECT received a second season order and RAISING HOPE was renewed for a fourth season.

“We love working with these talented producers and casts who, week after week, create some of the funniest work on television,” said Reilly. “These shows are creatively vibrant, they have established a loyal and passionate audience and they will continue to define and grow the FOX comedy brand next season and beyond.”

Season to date, NEW GIRL ranks No. 1 among comedies in its core Women 18-34 demographic and is a Top 10 comedy among Adults 18-49. THE MINDY PROJECT has emerged as the No. 1 new comedy of the season among Women 18-34, while RAISING HOPE, which has anchored FOX’s Tuesday nights this season, is a Top 20 sitcom among Adults 18-34 and Teens.

In “Guys Night,” the next all-new episode of NEW GIRL, airing Tuesday, March 12 (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), Jess (Zooey Deschanel) comes to a conclusion about her romantic feelings for Nick (Jake Johnson), and she struggles to tell him – until she’s hopped up on pain medication. But after admitting her feelings, she finds out he may have been keeping something from her. Meanwhile, Schmidt (Max Greenfield) becomes obsessed with buying a fish, which Winston (Lamorne Morris) sees as a metaphor for Schmidt’s unresolved feelings toward Cece (Hannah Simone), and Nick plans a bar promotion to impress the bar owner (guest star Odette Annable).

In the all-new “Mindy’s Birthday” episode of THE MINDY PROJECT airing Tuesday, March 12 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) throws Mindy (Mindy Kaling) a surprise birthday party, but when her two worlds collide – personal and professional— it’s nothing to celebrate. Meanwhile, Jeremy (Ed Weeks) and Danny (Chris Messina) fight over the same girl (guest star Kelen Coleman, “Newsroom”).

The hour-long season finale of back-to-back RAISING HOPE episodes, “Burt-Mitzvah/Mom’s Day”, airs on a special night and time, Thursday, March 28 (9:00-9:30/9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) after AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). In “Burt-Mitzvah,” Burt’s (Garret Dillahunt) parents (guest stars Shirley Jones and Lee Majors) come to town with the surprising news that their son actually is Jewish. So Burt takes a musical crash course in his newfound heritage, to prepare for the Bar Mitzvah he never had. Then, in “Mom’s Day,” it’s a Mother’s Day to remember as Burt and Barney (Gregg Binkley) take a road trip to Maw Maw’s (Cloris Leachman) childhood home and discover that her mother may still be alive. Needless to say, multiple generations of crazy

NEW GIRL stars Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Zooey Deschanel as a smart, spirited and single young woman who navigates her way through the highs and lows of modern friendship and romance, alongside her three male roommates (Jake Johnson, Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris) and her beautiful best friend (Hannah Simone). Created by Liz Meriwether (“No Strings Attached”), NEW GIRL is produced by Chernin Entertainment in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Meriwether, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer, Jake Kasdan, Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope are executive producers. “Like”             NEW GIRL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewGirlonFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @NewGirlOnFOX and join the discussion at #newgirl.

Created and written by Mindy Kaling (“The Office”), THE MINDY PROJECT stars Kaling as a skilled OB/GYN trying to balance both her personal and professional life. THE MINDY PROJECT is produced by 3 Arts Entertainment in association with Universal Television. The series is created and written by Mindy Kaling. Kaling, Howard Klein (“The Office,” “Parks and Recreation”), Matt Warburton (THE SIMPSONS) and Michael Spiller (“Modern Family”) are executive producers. “Like” THE MINDY PROJECT on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheMindyProject. Follow the series on Twitter @MindyProjectFOX and join the discussion at #themindyproject.

Created by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia, RAISING HOPE follows the Chance family as the unplanned addition to their family becomes a toddler. The show stars Lucas Neff, Emmy Award winner Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, Shannon Woodward, Emmy Award winner Cloris Leachman and Gregg Binkley. RAISING HOPE is produced by Amigos de Garcia Productions in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. “Like” RAISING HOPE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RaisingHope. Follow the series on Twitter @RaisingHopeFOX and join the discussion at #raisinghope.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: For photos and more information on NEW GIRL, THE MINDY PROJECT and RAISING HOPE, please visit www.foxflash.com.]

-FOX-