NATPE 2007 Syndication Convention; ABC Family Brings Back '7th Heaven', 'Everwood' Benched; Golden Globes Winners

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

NATPE 2007 Syndication Convention; ABC Family Brings Back '7th Heaven', 'Everwood' Benched; Golden Globes Winners

Yep, it is that time of year again--NATPE 2007. This is where new syndicated shows are bought by stations and where distributors announce what shows will be renewed, among other things. NATPE convention is running Jan. 16-18 in Las Vegas. This year we have a lot of new entries like usual, including even more court shows. Why are these so popular? Sitcom wise, a few shows will be going into off-network syndication, meaning airing 5 days a week. Sitcoms include Two and a Half Men, George Lopez and Family Guy. There are other sitcoms in the run like All of Us, What I Like About You, and Half & Half, but haven't sold much yet.
This year a few dramas are even coming to 5 day a week syndication. In recent years dramas usually air only on weekends. Law & Order Criminal Intent and Baywatch will make the round back to locals, but this time 5 days a week.
As for first-run stuff. We have two talk shows so far: The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (which is launching on Fox-owned stations next week actually) and untitled show starring Steve Wilkos from The Jerry Springer Show. There will be even a new game show called Temptations, a revival of the old Sale of the Century. Distributors are still trying to sell some other game shows, but nothing has been locked up thus yet. Three more court shows are coming it seems and TMZ.com will get into the TV newsmagazine business with its own show.
Renewals include: Twentieth Television's Divorce Court, Judge Alex and Christina’s Court. Buena Vista has renewed Live! with Regis and Kelly and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire through the 2010-2011 season. CBS Television Distribution has announced it has renewed rookie Rachel Ray through 2009-10 season. Sony's Judge Maria Lopez was renewed already, but Sony has announced it has cleared the show to 92% of the country for next fall. Sony's Judge Hatchett will also be back.

That's all the news we have that is of use, but like usual, we have did a "tentative" list of shows that are being sold to syndication for fall 2007. To see that list, click HERE. We will update periodically and give updates right until fall 2007 starts. So, bookmark it!
We might be back tomorrow if anything else of note is announced at NATPE. Also tomorrow, NBC is up at the TCA Tour. With CBS, Fox and The CW following it later in the week. Keep it right here for full coverage.

ABC Family Channel is bringing back 7th Heaven and will run it weeknights at 6 p.m. starting Tuesday, Feb. 6. It will be replacing Everwood it seems. I am sure Everwood will return soon, so don't worry fans of that show. 7th Heaven came back, as did Smallville, so Everwood is likely to return in the coming months.

And if you're living under a rock, here are the television winners from the Golden Globes last night:

Series, Drama: Grey's Anatomy, ABC
Actress, Drama: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer, TNT
Actor, Drama: Hugh Laurie, House, Fox
Series, Musical or Comedy: Ugly Betty, ABC
Actress, Musical or Comedy: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty, ABC
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock, NBC
Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Emily Blunt, Gideon's Daughter, BBC America
Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth I, HBO