Television
June 14, 2007
Channel 4 Picks Up New U.S. Comedy Series “The Big Bang Theory” As Part Of New Deal With Warner Bros. International Television Distribution
(June 14, 2007 - London and Burbank, CA) — Channel 4 this week signed a new deal with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, securing the future of the very best of American programming for Channel 4, E4 and More4 viewers, it was announced today by Jeff Ford, Director of Acquisitions, Channel 4, and Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television.
Both Channel 4 and E4 will hold the rights to broadcast the next two seasons of drama “One Tree Hill,” and More4 will continue to hold exclusive rights to critically acclaimed hit drama “The Closer,” starring Golden Globe Award winner and Emmy® Award nominee Kyra Sedgwick.
The deal also includes new comedy series “The Big Bang Theory,” starring Johnny Galecki (“Roseanne”) and Jim Parsons (“Garden State”) as Leonard and Sheldon, two brilliant theoretical physicists whose lives are changed when a free-spirited beauty, Penny (Kaley Cuoco – “Charmed”), moves in next door. From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television, the series is created and executive produced by Chuck Lorre (“Two and a Half Men”) & Bill Prady (“Dharma & Greg”).
Ford said: “We are delighted to have renewed the deal on these much-loved series and look forward to launching this highly anticipated new comedy series in 2008.”
Schlesinger said: “‘The Big Bang Theory’ was one of the most highly sought-after comedies at this year’s L.A. Screenings, and we are excited to be partnering with Channel 4 in the U.K. for the premiere of this funny and insightful mass-appeal series that will play to all demographics.”
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