JamesG
07-11-2013, 03:21 PM
Nickelodeon's "Sam & Cat" Doubles Season 1 Order (Exclusive)
7/11/2013
by Philiana Ng
Nickelodeon is doubling down on "iCarly" and "Victorious" crossover spinoff "Sam & Cat".
The kids cable network has greenlighted 20 more episodes of the top-rated comedy led by Jennette McCurdy (Sam Puckett) and Ariana Grande (Cat Valentine), bringing the first season's total count to 40, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.
The June 8 series debut was Nickelodeon's biggest live-action launch in three years with 4.2 million viewers. The expanded order comes after only four episode airings.
"It's a very tall order but it also feels great. The show has been so well-received, and competition is greater than ever these days. Making a hit show is even more challenging today than, say, 10 years ago," says creator Dan Schneider. "It's a little daunting to do 40 episodes in your first season, but what makes it fun is the success, because we're all sharing in that."
He added, "We wanted Sam & Cat to be popular and good and something we were proud of. We feel we pulled that off, and this is a big endorsement of that."
Schneider deadpans: "It's nice not to bomb!"
Production on the initial 20-episode order wraps up in the next few weeks (it finishes episode 18 on July 12). After filming concludes on the first half, the writers' room will open up in early September for the second half of the season.
Upcoming guest stars include "Laverne & Shirley's" Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams in their first scripted TV appearance in more than three decades, and the return of Sophia Grace and Rosie of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show".
"Sam & Cat" follows Sam and Cat as they become best friends and unlikely roommates who start a babysitting service.
It returns July 13th on Nickelodeon.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nickelodeons-sam-cat-doubles-season-583191
7/11/2013
by Philiana Ng
Nickelodeon is doubling down on "iCarly" and "Victorious" crossover spinoff "Sam & Cat".
The kids cable network has greenlighted 20 more episodes of the top-rated comedy led by Jennette McCurdy (Sam Puckett) and Ariana Grande (Cat Valentine), bringing the first season's total count to 40, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.
The June 8 series debut was Nickelodeon's biggest live-action launch in three years with 4.2 million viewers. The expanded order comes after only four episode airings.
"It's a very tall order but it also feels great. The show has been so well-received, and competition is greater than ever these days. Making a hit show is even more challenging today than, say, 10 years ago," says creator Dan Schneider. "It's a little daunting to do 40 episodes in your first season, but what makes it fun is the success, because we're all sharing in that."
He added, "We wanted Sam & Cat to be popular and good and something we were proud of. We feel we pulled that off, and this is a big endorsement of that."
Schneider deadpans: "It's nice not to bomb!"
Production on the initial 20-episode order wraps up in the next few weeks (it finishes episode 18 on July 12). After filming concludes on the first half, the writers' room will open up in early September for the second half of the season.
Upcoming guest stars include "Laverne & Shirley's" Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams in their first scripted TV appearance in more than three decades, and the return of Sophia Grace and Rosie of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show".
"Sam & Cat" follows Sam and Cat as they become best friends and unlikely roommates who start a babysitting service.
It returns July 13th on Nickelodeon.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nickelodeons-sam-cat-doubles-season-583191