Reruns in Syndication in January 2006 on The WB Afternoon Block! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Pavan · 06-08-2005, 11:39 PM

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.

Mr. Television · 06-08-2005, 11:40 PM

Thats great news...

Superbowl · 06-09-2005, 10:27 AM

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 ?

Pavan · 06-09-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superbowl

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.

Heart Shaped Box · 06-09-2005, 11:05 AM

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

TripperFan · 06-09-2005, 11:52 AM

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?

Superbowl · 06-09-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavanbadal

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.

David · 06-12-2005, 08:25 PM

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

Superbowl · 06-27-2005, 09:23 AM

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."

Chain Gang Member · 06-27-2005, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavanbadal

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?

TeeVeeCloset · 06-27-2005, 03:36 PM

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.....

Pavan · 06-27-2005, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeVeeCloset

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.

TeeVeeCloset · 06-27-2005, 07:41 PM

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

Pavan · 06-27-2005, 08:18 PM

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.

Pavan · 07-10-2005, 11:39 PM

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.

06-08-2005, 11:39 PM	#1
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	Reruns in Syndication in January 2006 on The WB Afternoon Block! 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.
	__________________ SitcomsOnline.com News Blog -- The best news out there! SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews -- We are #1 in reviews!

06-08-2005, 11:40 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Thats great news...
	__________________ Sonny

06-09-2005, 11:05 AM	#5
Heart Shaped Box Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 16, 2005 Location: New York Posts: 2,510	Wow, that's wonderful news Pav! Thanks so much for informing us!
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06-09-2005, 11:52 AM	#6
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	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?
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

06-12-2005, 08:25 PM	#8
David mcphee. Forum Superstar Join Date: Jan 30, 2003 Location: jacksonville, FL. Posts: 28,115	that's terrific news. i hope it works out.
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06-09-2005, 10:27 AM	#3
Superbowl Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 1,107	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 ?

06-27-2005, 09:23 AM	#9
Superbowl Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 1,107	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."

06-27-2005, 03:36 PM	#11
TeeVeeCloset Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2003 Posts: 1,873	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.....

06-27-2005, 07:41 PM	#13
TeeVeeCloset Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2003 Posts: 1,873	I heard the leading contender is "What I Like About You", that was one of the reasons why this struggling sitcom was renewed......

06-27-2005, 08:18 PM	#14
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	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.

07-10-2005, 11:39 PM	#15
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	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.