I've gotten strong word that reruns of 8 Simple Rules is "under discussion" for a new syndicated block coming in January 2006 to WB affiliates. This new block will be replacing Kids' WB weekdays, from 3 to 5 p.m. The block will have at least 2 sitcoms and other programming that targets the adults 18-49 demo, rather than the kids demo that Kids' WB targeted.

Let's hope the deal is sealed soon and that we also can come to cable shortly after that, along with DVD releases.

Thats great news...

Wow, great news, Pavan. Please keep us informed of any developments.

The only thing that confuses me a little is I thought the said they could not syndicate show, and that is why they canceled it, and renewed LTP instead. If they can syndicate it to WB than wouldn't it have been better to give 8SR the extra year of shows instead of LTP ?

Wow, great news, Pavan. Please keep us informed of any developments.

The only thing that confuses me a little is I thought the said they could not syndicate show, and that is why they canceled it, and renewed LTP instead. If they can syndicate it to WB than wouldn't it have been better to give 8SR the extra year of shows instead of LTP ?

This isn't the normal syndication. Normal syndication is where the distributor picks the episodes. They also make way more money out of it.

Wow, that's wonderful news Pav! Thanks so much for informing us! :D

I had a feeling they'd try to do something to get it back on with reruns. How do you totally shelve a couple of seasons of John, never to be seen again?

This isn't the normal syndication. Normal syndication is where the distributor picks the episodes. They also make way more money out of it.


Gotcha, now I get it. I hope this comes to fruition. At least, we can still keep seeing 8SR in repeats. :)

that's terrific news. i hope it works out.

It looks like Reba will occupy one hour of the two hour block of shows on the WB. I guess it leaves two half hour time slots for other shows like 8SR.


June 27, 2005
'Reba' The WB's 1st Syndie Star
Network Flexes Muscles With Deal That Pre-Empts Earlier Station Sales
By Christopher Lisotta
The WB Network has made its long-running hit comedy "Reba" the first major purchase for its upcoming daily block of syndicated shows.

The purchase shows the clout The WB will have in the syndication market. It pre-empts plans by the show's producer, Twentieth Television, for a more traditional sale to individual stations across the country. Stations that had already committed to "Reba" in markets covering about 70 percent of the U.S. will now lose out to the local affiliate of The WB.

"If you're a WB station, you're happy," said Bob Cook, president and CEO of Twentieth Television. "Some stations might be disappointed. This was a difficult call for us, but we think it's in the best interest to go in this direction."

The purchase also reinforces The WB's strategic goal of buying off-network rights to shows that originally launched on the network, providing a powerful afternoon promotional platform and reinforcing that brand on its affiliated stations.

"Reba" won't be available to air until fall 2006. The new programming block, which will air between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, launches in January 2006 (TelevisionWeek, May 30). The WB has yet to announce any other new programming. When "Reba" launches, it will be in the second hour and will double-run, said David Janollari, president of entertainment for The WB.

That time period is currently part of a block of animated shows that includes "Xiaolin Showdown," which is in the 4 p.m. block "Reba" will occupy. Kids animation is being phased out in favor of syndicated programming that is more compatible with the network's target audience and more in line with the 18 to 49 demo that most advertisers desire. The block will run on about 200 stations.

"Obviously it's our No. 1 comedy," Mr. Janollari said of "Reba," which stars country singer Reba McEntire as a divorced real estate agent raising three kids. "It's pretty huge in women 18 to 49, and that is the target audience for the afternoon time slots. The show is a brand, she is a brand name, and she has the hugest following in the world."

The WB and Twentieth Television declined to discuss financial terms of the deal. TVWeek previously reported that unlike the usual syndie split of about 15 minutes per hour, in this block The WB is expected to keep eight minutes and local stations get five. Since the animated block has not been selling well, that is still expected to be a significant improvement for stations.

Given that "Reba" wasn't slated to go off-network for another 14 months, Paul Franklin, executive VP and general sales manager of broadcast for Twentieth Television, said stations have time to find an alternative.

Twentieth plans to roll out sitcoms "Still Standing" and "Family Guy," while Warner Bros. and Paramount also are expected to have sitcoms ready for syndication for fall 2006.

"Reba," returning for its fifth season on The WB this fall, has been a lynchpin in the network's strategy of building a family comedy block on Friday nights. In addition to running original episodes at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, The WB will start the 2005-06 season with an hour of "Reba" repeats at 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Doug Gealy, president and chief operating officer of Acme Communications, which owns eight WB affiliates, said his company is "very happy … It will be a great lead-in for our sitcoms. Obviously it will give us a jump on our sitcom flow. [Now] it takes a while to catch up because the flow is not as good out of animation. Reba being a strong sitcom will jump-start our sitcoms."

Mr. Cook welcomes the new relationship with The WB. "Everybody keeps looking for different models," he said. "How do we maximize the revenue for programs whose costs are continuing to grow? This is an interesting, innovative model."

I've gotten strong word that reruns of 8 Simple Rules is "under discussion" for a new syndicated block coming in January 2006 to WB affiliates. This new block will be replacing Kids' WB weekdays, from 3 to 5 p.m. The block will have at least 2 sitcoms and other programming that targets the adults 18-49 demo, rather than the kids demo that Kids' WB targeted.

Let's hope the deal is sealed soon and that we also can come to cable shortly after that, along with DVD releases.
Will they show the ones with John Ritter in it?

8 simple rules is out of the picture for the WB block, it was announced last week that the other hour would be a drama, probably "Everwood". oh well...I'm sure we will see 8 simple rules (all of them) on ABC Family in the future.....

8 simple rules is out of the picture for the WB block, it was announced last week that the other hour would be a drama, probably "Everwood". oh well...I'm sure we will see 8 simple rules (all of them) on ABC Family in the future.....

Well, Reba is starting in September 2006, this block starts in January, so something else has to air from 4 to 5pm until then.

I heard the leading contender is "What I Like About You", that was one of the reasons why this struggling sitcom was renewed......

WB is trying to get OUTSIDE productions for this block. Reba is 20th Century FOX, so that is outside. What I Like About You and Everwood I believe both are Warner Bros. Dramas usually do not air 5 days a week. But with them, I wouldn't be surprised whatever airs.

It's official! 8 Simple Rules is airing in the new WB afternoon block starting in January!


The WB Afternoon Block

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY

JANUARY 2006
3:00 PM ER
4:00 PM 8 Simple Rules...
4:30 PM 8 Simple Rules...

SEPTEMBER 2006
3:00 PM TBD
4:00 PM Reba
4:30 PM Reba


So, we will have 8SR in reruns from January-September AT LEAST. If it does well, here is what will happen:

It would either be renewed with The WB afternoon or taken into syndication, according to Buena Vista Television Distribution President Janice Marinelli. But if 8SR in early fringe performs decently airing in pattern on WB affiliates, Marinelli could have some interesting options: Either put it on the shelf for awhile at The WB Afternoon or seek better time periods than it would have gotten otherwise in syndication.

:woohoo: This is great news.

It going to be good to see 8 Simple Rules on The WB Afternoon Schedule
weekday's at 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm.

Absolutely terrific news.

One thing that confuses me. How come ABC did not want to renew it for next season and get the 100 episodes for local syndication and yet now they are talking about syndication anyway ? I know there is a difference between local syndication and this WB thing, but wouldn't it have been better to renew 8SR over LTP to get the 100 episodes. To me it is like they are trying the show out in syndication for 9 months and will see what it does. If it does well, I bet they will be sorry they do not have 100 episodes for full syndication.

Don't get me wrong. I am delighted we will see the show on the WB, but I am just very confused by this cancelation versus syndication thing. I am still scratching my head as to why the lower rated LTP was renewed for better syndication over 8SR. Any thoughts ?

Here is an article I found on 8SR coming to the WB :

WB Kids Block Grows Up
July 11, 2005

The WB will air repeat episodes of drama ER and sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter in its revamped 3–5 p.m. weekday block beginning in January. ER will air from 3–4 p.m., and two episodes of 8 Simple Rules will air each day from 4–5 p.m. The shows will fill the time period currently occupied by two hours of Kids WB programming.

WB execs plan to make use of both shows’ mainly female audience—women 18–49 for ER and women 12–34 for 8 Simple Rules—to promote a broader range of the network’s prime-time programs than it can during the current kids block. Ad time for the shows will be sold nationally, with each WB affiliate getting about 20 percent of local ad avails to sell, similar to WB’s prime-time split.

“I think these shows will help us increase the WB footprint and drive more adults to our prime-time shows,” said Bill Morningstar, WB executive vp of media sales. “And I think there will be a lot of interest in these shows. This will be ER’s first weekday broadcast clearance, and it will be 8 Simple Rules’ first airing outside of [ABC’s prime-time], including all the John Ritter episodes.” (ER runs off-network on TNT during the day.)

Brad Turell, WB executive vp of network communications, said the deal with Buena Vista for 8 Simple Rules works not only for the WB but also for the studio. Only 66 episodes of Rules exist, much fewer than it needs for a run in syndication. “Our deal allows the show a second life and benefits us both,” Turell said.

The WB has announced it will air episodes of Reba—a 20th Century Fox show that now airs in prime time on the WB—weekdays from 4–5 p.m. starting in fall ’06. Reba will debut after Rules ends its run in September.

Morningstar said he will begin selling ad time on the new block immediately. “Ideally, we would have liked to have sold it in the upfront. But the good news is that the block has been well received by advertisers, it targets a specific audience and it is a concept they should be able to get their hands around.”

Morningstar said he is still unsure what cost-per-thousand rate the block will attract, or how much money advertisers have set aside following the upfront for a buy like this, but said he will tout the value of getting into the block on the ground floor. “To be able to buy two shows like this nationally, on a day-date basis in daytime, should be very attractive to them,” he said.

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000976381

It's great they considered it. Now I can tape the episodes I never got like season 1 and majority of season 2.

YES! :woohoo: This is great news! Now I finally get to see the earlier seasons with John, because I never got too! :D

yay!!! :clap: this totally made my day :D Now if only January would get here... :whistle:






YES! :woohoo: This is great news! Now I finally get to see the earlier seasons with John, because I never got too! :D

YES! :woohoo: This is great news! Now I finally get to see the earlier seasons with John, because I never got too! :DI was going to say the same thing!! :D I only saw a few episodes from the 1st season. I was more interested in American Juniors and that came on at the same time as 8SR. I don't know what I was thinking!! Thanks for the great news Pav!!!

THE WB SETS ITS 3:00 PM-5:00 PM AFTERNOON BLOCK LINE-UP FOR JANUARY 2006 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2006

Burbank, CA July 11, 2005

“ER” WILL RUN FROM 3:00-4:00 PM EST/PST AND THE EXCLUSIVE SYNDICATION DEBUT OF “8 SIMPLE RULES” WILL DOUBLE RUN FROM 4:00-5:00 PM EST/PST

The WB has set the line-up for the launch of its new Monday through Friday afternoon programming block which will debut in January 2006 with “ER,” one of the most distinguished and successful dramas in television history, scheduled to lead off the line-up from 3:00-4:00 p.m. EST/PST. “ER,” which is licensed to The WB from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution, has never been stripped on broadcast television stations. Following “ER” at 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. will be the syndication debut of the ABC hit family comedy “8 Simple Rules,” whose 76 episodes are licensed from Buena Vista Television Distribution. These announcements were made by Garth Ancier, Chairman of The WB, Eric Frankel, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution and Janice Marinelli, President of Buena Vista Television.

“In ‘ER,’ one of the most successful series in television history and with the exclusive broadcast rights to ‘8 Simple Rules,’ a very fresh series that has never been syndicated, we believe we have put together a compelling and competitive schedule that is built to succeed in the afternoons,” said Garth Ancier, Chairman of The WB. “We're taking a bold step with this new afternoon strategy and the television community has really stepped up and embraced our new model, presenting us with wonderful choices to build our schedule.”

Both programs are licensed for the initial season only of The WB's afternoon block which runs from January 2006 through September 2006. The WB will debut a new afternoon schedule beginning in September 2006. The network previously announced that the off-network runs of “Reba,” The WB's hit Friday night comedy, at 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. beginning in September 2006. The 3:00-4:00 p.m. hour for September 2006 has not been announced yet.

“ER” will be back on the NBC Thursday night line-up this fall as it enters its 12th season as one of the most honored and successful programs in television history. A winner of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the series has also earned 21 Emmy Awards and 112 nominations – the second highest nomination count in history and the most ever for a drama. In addition, the cast has won four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Drama Series. “ER” was named Outstanding Drama Series at the Emmy Awards in 1996.

“ER” follows the lives of the emergency room staff and doctors of Chicago's County General Hospital, where the difference between life and death rests on split-second decisions--and the pressure, joy and guilt are often overwhelming. The heroic healers who live this life are as varied as the patients they treat.

“It's a real testament to the quality and popularity of ‘ER’ that it can succeed in multiple dayparts,” said Frankel. “We're confident that this powerhouse series will attract a large and demographically desirable audience to The WB at 3 p.m. much the same as it has on NBC for 11 years, as well as on cable and in weekend syndication.”

“8 Simple Rules” is a family comedy that has run on ABC for the past three seasons and is currently running through the summer on Friday nights. Season one and the beginning of season two marked the return to television of one of the great comedic actors of his generation, Emmy winner John Ritter. Ritter starred as a father struggling to raise his suddenly very beautiful and popular teenage daughter (Kaley Cuoco) as well as her younger sister (Amy Davidson) and brother (Martin Spanjers). Starring as his wife in the series is another well known and accomplished comedic actress Katey Sagal. The first season of the series earned the 2003 People Choice Award for Best New Comedy Series as well as two 2003 Teen Choice Awards for Choice TV Comedy and Choice TV Breakout Actress for Kaley Cuoco and two Family Television Awards for Best Comedy and Favorite Siblings.

In seasons two and three, after the sudden and tragic death of Mr. Ritter, the series was energized by the additions of veteran comedic actors James Garner and David Spade.

“‘8 Simple Rules’ is a natural fit for The WB's audience,” Marinelli. “The series will be a perfect compliment to the rich slate of family friendly programming that the network has to offer.”

It's great they considered it. Now I can tape the episodes I never got like season 1 and majority of season 2.
I started watching 8SR when Nick Carter came in because I heard about the show on the radio and decided to give it a try.The episode "Come And Knock On Our Door" got me into Three's Company.But I finally get to see it from the beginning

8 simple rules is out of the picture for the WB block, it was announced last week that the other hour would be a drama, probably "Everwood". oh well...I'm sure we will see 8 simple rules (all of them) on ABC Family in the future.....



actually it has been confirmed that 8 Simple Rules will join "Reba" and "ER" in the WB afternoon block. Reba and 8SR will both get an hour along with ER.it was reported by www.thefutoncritic.com

actually it has been confirmed that 8 Simple Rules will join "Reba" and "ER" in the WB afternoon block. Reba and 8SR will both get an hour along with ER.it was reported by www.thefutoncritic.com

You're quoting something from June. If you read further posts, we've already announced 8SR joining the block.

Well I recently read Entertainment weekly...8SR was ranked in the mid nineties and LTP was like way in the 100s.Why didn't abc just renew 8SR instead? They are making the world's biggest mistake...

I know they are!!!! :mad: :mad: But at least we have the reruns to look foward to :happyface :D . I have to tell you, i was pretty shocked when they announced this :eek2: , but extremeley happy though. :crazy: Now all we have to do is wait for January to get here :( :mad: :crazy: :happyface :rolleyes: LMAO!!!

we should count down on here

Ok, not counting the rest of this month(August), we have 5 months left! :cheer: :woohoo:

Ok, not counting the rest of this month(August), we have 5 months left! :cheer: :woohoo:YAAAAAAAAY!! :woohoo: I can't wait!! :banana: :dance: :mango

This sucks. I don't even have WB!

Okay, I'm confused as to what the WB means when they say "If it does well, we will run it syndication". Does that mean they will continue to rerun episodes, or is there a chance the show could get picked up with new shows in first-run syndication? That's what happened with Mama's Family. It ran on NBC from 1983-1985, then got cancelled. In 1986, it was picked up in syndication with new shows when everyone thought the show was over. Of course it was revamped and there were some cast changes, but is there any hope of that happening with 8SR? I mean if the ratings are good, could they consider that?

Okay, I'm confused as to what the WB means when they say "If it does well, we will run it syndication". Does that mean they will continue to rerun episodes, or is there a chance the show could get picked up with new shows in first-run syndication? That's what happened with Mama's Family. It ran on NBC from 1983-1985, then got cancelled. In 1986, it was picked up in syndication with new shows when everyone thought the show was over. Of course it was revamped and there were some cast changes, but is there any hope of that happening with 8SR? I mean if the ratings are good, could they consider that?


not likely. that just doesn't happen anymore. the syndication market is not the same as it once was, anything not Sci-fi just doesn't do well in first-run syndication anymore. they probally just meant that if the ratings are good they will pick-up the contract to rerun the show. plus many of the cast members have already signed on to new shows, Kaley Cuco is going to "Charmed" in the fall.

I checked my WB website and can't find any news about the new WB afternoon shows like 8 simple rules being on it?Where did anyone find this info.I hope it does start in January with the first season I didn't start watching till season 2.I miss it.It was alot better then all these reality shows that's on every channel.

I checked my WB website and can't find any news about the new WB afternoon shows like 8 simple rules being on it?Where did anyone find this info.I hope it does start in January with the first season I didn't start watching till season 2.I miss it.It was alot better then all these reality shows that's on every channel.

Yes, they will be showing all three season. 76 shows in all. Read this entire thread from page 1 for all information on 8SR on the WB.

It's official! 8 Simple Rules is airing in the new WB afternoon block starting in January!


The WB Afternoon Block

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY

JANUARY 2006
3:00 PM ER
4:00 PM 8 Simple Rules...
4:30 PM 8 Simple Rules...

SEPTEMBER 2006
3:00 PM TBD
4:00 PM Reba
4:30 PM Reba


So, we will have 8SR in reruns from January-September AT LEAST. If it does well, here is what will happen:

It would either be renewed with The WB afternoon or taken into syndication, according to Buena Vista Television Distribution President Janice Marinelli. But if 8SR in early fringe performs decently airing in pattern on WB affiliates, Marinelli could have some interesting options: Either put it on the shelf for awhile at The WB Afternoon or seek better time periods than it would have gotten otherwise in syndication.
I hope the TBD will be What I Like About You.Season 1 is my favorite

not likely. that just doesn't happen anymore. the syndication market is not the same as it once was, anything not Sci-fi just doesn't do well in first-run syndication anymore. they probally just meant that if the ratings are good they will pick-up the contract to rerun the show. plus many of the cast members have already signed on to new shows, Kaley Cuco is going to "Charmed" in the fall.
Actually not all of them. Katey Sagal is just doing mostly tv appearances and movies. The rest of the cast haven't got a show....

Approx 3 months left! :cheer: :woohoo:

I can't wait!

Me neither!!! I am soooooooooo excited. WEEEEEEEEHHOOOOOOO!!! YEEEEEEEES!!!! More john... more john and katey!!! WEEEEEE!!! :D :D :cool: :) ;)

I know! :woohoo: I am so excited! :D I can't believe only three more months to go!

Me neither!!! I am soooooooooo excited. WEEEEEEEEHHOOOOOOO!!! YEEEEEEEES!!!! More john... more john and katey!!! WEEEEEE!!! :D :D :cool: :) ;)

Yay to that *smiles and winks*

I can't wait until 8 Simple Rules comes to the WB in January. I miss the episodes with John.

I really love you John:kiss:

:woohoo: I can't believe we're almost out of November! Since 8 Simple Rules is airing in early January, I'd say we have a little over a month to go! :eek: :cheer: I am so excited to see the John episodes!

It's coming up fast...

it will be here befor you know it.

What a treat it is going to be to see those John Ritter episodes again. I can't wait...

I am starting THe Count Down to 8 Simple Rules coming to
The New WB Block on December 1, 2005

I forgot how much I really enjoyed watching this show. I'm so glad I have my dvd recorder....I've been recording them all non stop since they started airing this month....:happyface

Mark the calendars for Jan. 2! More info soon.

I know I will be watching 8 Simple Rules on Janurary 2, 2005 at 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm Central Time

The WB has started running promos for 8SR, and I must say it is quite heartwarming to see John Ritter again. I can't wait for January 2. :D

I saw the commercial for it on Friday. I was like oh my god. I was so happy that I saw him. Can't wait for it to start in January.

that's great news

The Final airing is on September 15th at 4:30pm. :(

Even though 9 months is so cheap, it was awesome while it lasted.

I wouldn't be surprised to see this pop up again (due to the popularity of Daytime WB reruns) on another network in the next year, most likely on ABC Family, The-N, or even Lifetime (hey they are airing Reba and Still Standing reruns this fall-could Lifetime be beginning a change in format?) Perhaps The CW will even return the reruns one day.

The Final airing is on September 15th at 4:30pm. :(

Even though 9 months is so cheap, it was awesome while it lasted.


arrrrrggg i never even got to see it! in my area it always came on at a time i couldnt' watch it... but i have seen My Wife and Kids, which i've grown to love...

Well the last time for me it's gonna air is tomorrow:mad: :thumbsdow :censored: :2mad :cuss: pissed: :sarah:

why is Friday, September 1, 2006 the last time you will be watching 8 Simple Rules

why is Friday, September 1, 2006 the last time you will be watching 8 Simple Rules

It's not!!!!

Tomorrow's eps are "The Principal" and "Finale Part Un"