Brian Damage
05-15-2009, 11:38 PM
It looks like “V” will live again on TV.
Sources said ABC is close to a series order for the Warner Bros. TV-produced reimagining of the 1980s mini-series.
Also in negotiations for a midseason order is 20th TV’s dramedy “The Associates.”
Meanwhile, ABC on Friday night also renewed the 20th-produced midseason comedy “Better Off Ted.”
There was speculation that “V” might get a short midseason order, but indication on Friday night was that the pickup would probably be for 13 episodes.
“Associates,” which was redeveloped after being originally ordered to pilot last development season, is in the running for a six-episode pickup.
Because of the short order, 20th TV had not accepted it but was heavy in negotiations with ABC Friday night and indication was a deal would be reached.
The down-to-the-wire negotiations underscore the level of intense bargaining this season where the networks put a lot of pressure on the studios, especially outside suppliers, to lower license fees/orders.
As for “Ted,” the quirky single-camera comedy didn’t pop but showed solid retention from its lead-in “Scrubs.”
The two shows are also rumored to continue as a pair next season, now that both were renewed Friday night.
Remaining in contention for a pickup at ABC are drama pilots “Eastwick” and “The Forgotten” and comedies “The Middle,” “Romantically Challenged,” “Hank” (formerly untitled Kelsey Grammer project) and “The Law.”
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i505437152ed7136760a3458d0a16cd8f
Sources said ABC is close to a series order for the Warner Bros. TV-produced reimagining of the 1980s mini-series.
Also in negotiations for a midseason order is 20th TV’s dramedy “The Associates.”
Meanwhile, ABC on Friday night also renewed the 20th-produced midseason comedy “Better Off Ted.”
There was speculation that “V” might get a short midseason order, but indication on Friday night was that the pickup would probably be for 13 episodes.
“Associates,” which was redeveloped after being originally ordered to pilot last development season, is in the running for a six-episode pickup.
Because of the short order, 20th TV had not accepted it but was heavy in negotiations with ABC Friday night and indication was a deal would be reached.
The down-to-the-wire negotiations underscore the level of intense bargaining this season where the networks put a lot of pressure on the studios, especially outside suppliers, to lower license fees/orders.
As for “Ted,” the quirky single-camera comedy didn’t pop but showed solid retention from its lead-in “Scrubs.”
The two shows are also rumored to continue as a pair next season, now that both were renewed Friday night.
Remaining in contention for a pickup at ABC are drama pilots “Eastwick” and “The Forgotten” and comedies “The Middle,” “Romantically Challenged,” “Hank” (formerly untitled Kelsey Grammer project) and “The Law.”
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i505437152ed7136760a3458d0a16cd8f