'Weeds' to Premiere on TV Guide Network in September 2010

The highly acclaimed comedy series "Weeds" will be available for the first time ever on basic cable exclusively on TV Guide Network beginning in September 2010, the network announced earlier today. Produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Tilted Productions, "Weeds" is executive produced and created by Emmy Award winner Jenji Kohan and stars Mary-Louise Parker who earned a Golden Globe award for her series role as a suburban mom who deals pot to make ends meet after the death of her husband. TV Guide Network has acquired rights to air all episodes in the first five seasons of the series, as well as the show's future episodes, including its sixth season which is currently in production.

"Like with 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' we've gotten in 'Weeds' a terrific, well-acted show with a devoted fan-following," said Allen Shapiro, Chairman of the TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com. "We're very excited that our friends at Lionsgate Television and Tilted Productions have entrusted us with one of the smartest and funniest shows on television."

"Weeds," which was acquired through Lionsgate's Debmar-Mercury subsidiary, is the third major award-winning scripted series TV Guide Network has acquired over the past nine months. As TV Guide Network repositions itself as an entertainment programming destination, it will be debuting new, high-profile premium series beginning this summer. In June, the network will premiere "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the groundbreaking improvisational comedy series created by and starring legendary producer Larry David. In Fall 2010, the network will launch a revamped primetime schedule including strips of "Weeds," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Ugly Betty."

"'Weeds' is one of the most entertaining and original breakout comedies in recent years featuring outstanding performances by Mary-Louise Parker and the entire ensemble cast,'" said Diane Robina, Executive Vice President, Programming and Marketing for TV Guide Network. "We are thrilled to bring Weeds' to basic cable on TV Guide Network, where more than 80 million viewers will finally have a chance to enjoy this highly addictive and hilarious show.'"

The critically acclaimed comedy "Weeds" is an international success as it heads into its sixth season on Showtime in Summer 2010. Created by Emmy Award winner Jenji Kohan, the series follows the complicated evolution of single mom Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) from a small-time suburban pot dealer struggling to support her family, to a seasoned player in the drug trade where the stakes can be life or death. The series also stars Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Nealon, Justin Kirk, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Allie Grant and Andy Milder. "Weeds" is executive produced by Jenji Kohan, Roberto Benabib and Matthew Salsberg.

"Weeds" has received multiple awards including: 10 Golden Globe nominations, including one win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Mary-Louise Parker); 19 Emmy nominations, including nods for Best Comedy Series, Best Actress (Mary-Louise Parker), Best Supporting Actress (Elizabeth Perkins) and Best Directing; and multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Mary-Louise Parker and the entire ensemble.

About TV Guide Network

TV Guide Network is the true entertainment insider and the only network that celebrates Hollywood, its stars and the shows that fans adore. Committed to buzz-worthy, breakout programming and a rich, multi-platform viewing experience, TV Guide Network is seen in more than 80 million homes nationwide and online at TVGuide.com, a one-stop fan destination serving 21 million unique users per month. TV Guide Network is home to some of America's fan-favorite series including "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Ugly Betty" and "American Idol Rewind." The network also takes fans behind-the-scenes of Hollywood with original programming that delivers the latest news on entertainment and pop culture, as well as live coverage of the industry's biggest events such as the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. TV Guide Network, TVGuide.com and the TV Guide brand are owned by Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading next-generation studio, which produces the award-winning series "Mad Men" and "Weeds" and co-produces the acclaimed "Nurse Jackie," and One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase.

 

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