TORONTO –The 90210 spinoff was among the acquisitions Canwest picked up for the 2008-2009 fall season for Global Television and E!, it was announced Friday.
In total, Canwest acquired 11 new programs along with its slate of returning primetime shows that include Survivor, Heroes, Family Guy, Prison Break and House.
“We look forward to rolling out another season of hit-filled primetime schedules with the addition of this year’s hottest new shows," said Barbara Williams, executive vice-president of Content at Canwest Broadcasting. “The combination of our innovative programming and strong partnerships guarantees that we will continue to deliver great TV to our viewers.”
On Friday, Canwest said it had acquired the following dramas: 90210 (1-hour drama that is a spinoff of Beverly Hills 90210), Dollhouse (1-hour drama that is about an illegal underground group who have had their personalities wiped clean), Harper’s Island (1-hour drama about murder on a secluded island), Knight Rider (1-hour drama based on the 1980s TV show of the same name), Life on Mars (1-hour drama based on a BBC series), My Own Worst Enemy (1-hour drama about two guys who share the same body) and The Philanthropist (1-hour drama about a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need).
The four comedies it picked up are Kath & Kim (half-hour comedy about a dysfunctional mother/daughter), The Office Spinoff (half-hour comedy that is described as the next chapter of what viewers have come to know and love about The Office), Sit Down, Shut Up (the working title for a half-hour animated comedy about eight high school staff members), and Worst Week (half-hour comedy about an entertainment magazine editor who never seems about to please his girlfriend’s parents).
“We look forward to extending our new and returning content across multiple media platforms which positions us for positive growth this year and into the future,” said Canwest Broadcasting President Kathleen Dore.
The 2008-09 primetime schedules for Global’s conventional networks will be unveiled June 4 in Toronto.
