Old Christine Will be Back One Way or Another Thanks to ABC

[Brian Damage]

CBS' bubble comedy series "The New Adventures of Old Christine" is assured of a 22-episode fifth-season order.

ABC has closed a back-up deal with series producer Warner Bros. TV that guarantees a full-season order to "Christine" if CBS doesn't pick up the show.

This is the second consecutive year ABC has made such a pact for the multicamera sitcom starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a neurotic divorcee. The network's chief, Stephen McPherson, is considered a big fan of the show.

For now, the odds are in favor of CBS renewing "Christine," which helped the network open a second comedy block on Wednesdays.

But with the comedy going down to the wire every year with 11th-hour pickups at CBS, the back-up deal with ABC gives reassurances to "Christine's" producers, who are seeking to sell the series in syndication.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i9813ed99c5e2b4f301ea5b71a66e8270

[kravitzfan12]

A few weeks ago, it was rumored that ABC was going to pick it up if CBS ditched it - and now we get a GUARENTEED full 22-episode 5th season no matter where it goes!

This is FANTASTIC news! I'm so happy that someone is finally recognizing this show for the gem it is.

This puts great pressure on CBS to make a full season pick-up too.

THANK YOU ABC!

[JulieSomoski]

It guarantees Old Christine 22 episodes if it moves to ABC. But CBS can still give it a shortened 13 episode season if they renew it, can't they?

Either way, this is great news. This can officially take Old Christine off the bubble and into the renewed category. ABC really seems to love this show, and I almost wish CBS would just ditch it and let them have it. Chances are 100% of its audience would follow, while maybe adding a few fans if schedule correctly in the process. And with McPherson being a huge fan, I guess we know what he's watching Wednesdays at 8pm (not Scrubs :lol:)

[Superstar]

I'm really glad to hear this, I love this show.

[kravitzfan12]

It guarantees Old Christine 22 episodes if it moves to ABC. But CBS can still give it a shortened 13 episode season if they renew it, can't they?

CBS can definitely give it a shortened order, but I'm not sure if Warner Brothers has to accept. I'm pretty sure that they have to (contractually), but I don't know if CBS would make that offer when they know that ABC has a full 22 episodes offer on the table.

[JulieSomoski]

CBS can definitely give it a shortened order, but I'm not sure if Warner Brothers has to accept. I'm pretty sure that they have to (contractually), but I don't know if CBS would make that offer when they know that ABC has a full 22 episodes offer on the table.

ABC hammered CBS about wanting the show last season, without talking about a renewal or anything, and because of just that CBS gave it a full 22 episodes. But this season, Warner and ABC have an entire deal worked out, and CBS is still the network airing. I wouldn't be surprised to see them give it a 24 episode order :lol:

[Schmoopie]

Very cool! I like ABC more than CBS anyway, so maybe I'll finally watch it on a regular basis!

[AB]

That's good to know, I really like this show.

[Jude The Obscure]

Old Christine seems like the type of show that will EXPLODE in syndication--people will discover it and wonder--where were we when this was playing on the network? :D

[Marvo301]

Old Christine seems like the type of show that will EXPLODE in syndication--people will discover it and wonder--where were we when this was playing on the network? :D
:yeahthat