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Emmy Award Winning Fox Comedy ''Arrested Development'' Finds Post Broadcast Home Online, on Hi-Def TV and on Basic Cable
LOS ANGELES & REDMOND, Wash. & DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2006--
Today, Fox Entertainment Group, MSN, HDNet and G4 announced that America's funniest dysfunctional family will get a second shot at enduring fame with the complete three-seasons (53 episodes) of the award-winning comedy, "Arrested Development" available soon online, on hi-def TV and on basic cable.
"We're thrilled that this groundbreaking, critically-acclaimed show will find an entirely new audience through a variety of complementary platforms - from rich media, to hi-def TV to cable," said Peter Levinsohn, President of Fox Digital Media. "This is the first time a series has been licensed to three platforms simultaneously, a testament to the explosion of the aftermarket for high-end content. We're actively developing this exciting new arena with partners like MSN, HDNet and G4."
Produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine Entertainment, the multiple award-winning "Arrested Development" ran for three years on FOX and was one of the most celebrated comedies in network history. It revolves around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) who is doing his best to pick up the pieces and keep his offbeat family from falling apart after his father, George Bluth (Jeffrey Tambor), is locked up for fraud.
"This studio has led the industry in producing content for digital media, from our mobisode series to our DVD prequels to the vast array of wireless applications inspired by our shows," commented Twentieth Century Fox Television Presidents Gary Newman and Dana Walden. "Arrested Development' is exactly the right property to roll out on these exciting new media platforms. It's a win for both the loyal and passionate fans who adored the show during its network run and the millions more who will now have a chance to discover its genius."
MSN will have the exclusive portal rights to syndicate the show for a three-year term, making this critically acclaimed series available to the masses for the first time online. As part of the pact, MSN will produce and launch a new range of interactive entertainment elements to build a community for Bluth family fans, who are ferocious in their devotion to the hilarious, suddenly penniless and equally clueless clan. Later this year, all episodes of "Arrested Development" will be streamed on MSN(R) Video and available on demand at no cost to MSN customers. Advertising opportunities associated with the online syndication of the series include display and streaming video plus sponsorship packages incorporating MSN media and in-content integration.
"On TV, 'Arrested Development' created an incredibly passionate and dedicated fan base, and we're thrilled to bring this series to the global MSN audience," said Rob Bennett, General Manager of Video and Entertainment Services for MSN. "Our collaboration with Fox Entertainment Group further demonstrates MSN's commitment to being the best source of great entertainment content online."
HDNet will have exclusive HD television access to the series for three years. The leader in high definition television, HDNet will begin airing "Arrested Development" episodes in September on its network, which is available through both cable and satellite platforms. HDNet produces a slate of original series and has licensing deals with a number of entertainment providers as well.
"We're very excited to add 'Arrested Development' to our lineup of critically acclaimed, high definition programming," said Mark Cuban, President and Co-Founder of HDNet. "Our mission is to offer exclusive, award-winning shows that our viewers can and have grown emotionally attached to and that further extend HDNet's lead as the network for television like you have never seen before!"
G4, the fastest growing network for 2006 and the number one podcasted network in the country, targets the male 18-34 audience. It has acquired the basic cable rights for the series for three years which it will begin airing in October 2006.
G4 President Neal Tiles added, "Irreverence, cleverness and a wry sense of humor are all key attributes the G4 brand shares with 'Arrested Development.' This is a perfect fit with our audience's sensibility."
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