or


[11/19/03 - 12:00 AM]
'Family Guy,' 'Farscape' May Get Second Lives
By Brian Ford Sullivan (TFC)

CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- Two of television's most popular canceled series - "Family Guy" and "Farscape" - are well on their way to getting second broadcast lives.

The former, which ran for three seasons on FOX from 1999-2002, is close to resuming production according to a story published in this morning's USA Today. Thanks to stunning DVD sales and record numbers on cable's Cartoon Network, distributor 20th Century FOX is reportedly considering putting the animated comedy back in production for 35 new episodes, the majority of which could be ready for a January 2005 start date on a to be determined network. Should it go forward, the news would mark the first time a show has been revived thanks to its back-end performance in home video and syndication.

April's DVD release of the first 28 episodes of "Family Guy" sold nearly one million copies and so far is the top-selling TV show of 2003 not to mention the fourth best-selling TV title of all time according to a recent report in Video Store Magazine. A second collection, which contained the 22 remaining produced episodes, has sold 520,000 copies since going on sale in September. As for its syndicated run on Cartoon Network, the series has broken the channel's top scores in several key demographics not once (read the story), not twice (read the story) but at least three times (read the story) since joining its Adult Swim lineup earlier this year.

Meanwhile, fellow canceled series "Farscape" also appears to be headed back into production. The show's resurrection campaign web site, SaveFarscape.com, is reporting that work is set to begin on a new four-hour "Farscape" mini-series beginning next month. While producer Jim Henson Company has yet to confirm the news, the site says the information comes from "a trustworthy and solid source." No distribution plans however were revealed (i.e. a return to Sci Fi Channel, a different network or a straight to video/DVD release).

For the original USA Today report about "Family Guy" click here. For SaveFarscape.com's story click here.




  [november 2003]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· FAMILY GUY (FOX)
· FARSCAPE (SYFY)
· FARSCAPE: PEACEKEEPER WARS (SYFY)








[04/24/14 - 12:51 PM]
"Rebel Road" Premieres on Discovery Channel Monday, April 28th at 10PM
The one-hour special follows a subculture of car mechanics who are building mind-blowing vehicles that look like something out of another place and time.
[04/24/14 - 12:32 PM]
ESPN Commentators for the 2014 NFL Draft
Round 1 will feature host Chris Berman joined by analysts Jon Gruden, Mel Kiper Jr. and Ray Lewis, who will make his NFL Draft debut.
[04/24/14 - 11:46 AM]
The Final Season of "The Killing" Premieres Only on Netflix
Linden and Holder return for one final season exclusively on Netflix in all territories, August 1.
[04/24/14 - 11:35 AM]
"Food Network Star" Returns for Tenth Season with New Cast of Contenders and More Intense Culinary Challenges
The show's 10th season premieres Sunday, June 1 at 9:00/8:00c on the cable channel.
[04/24/14 - 11:34 AM]
USA Network Fans to Vote on Favorite Character-Driven "Suits" Episodes Ahead of Socially-Charged "Suits After Hours" Marathon on Friday, June 6
Said stunt is timed to premiere the show's fourth season launch on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:00/8:00c.
[04/24/14 - 11:31 AM]
E! Special Compares the Latest in Celebrity Fashion and Beauty When "Who Wore It Better?" Premieres Wednesday, April 30th at 8:00 PM ET/PT Only on E!
Catt Sadler and George Kotsiopoulos host the half-hour special.
[04/24/14 - 11:28 AM]
Video: New Trailer for TBS's "CeeLo Green's The Good Life"
The newcomer launches Monday, June 23 at 10:30/9:30c on the network.
[04/24/14 - 11:20 AM]
Myles Turner, No. 2 Basketball Recruit, to Announce College Selection on ESPNU
Recruiting director Paul Biancardi, recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton and host Matt Schick will anchor the telecast.
[04/24/14 - 10:42 AM]
Video: TNT's "The Last Ship" - New Extended Trailer
The new drama, from executive producer Michael Bay, premieres Sunday, June 22 at 9:00/8:00c on the network.
[04/24/14 - 10:40 AM]
"The Tonight Show" Sees Year-to-Year Growth, Scoring Its Highest 18-49 Rating for a Week of Rebroadcasts in Nearly Three Years
NBC spins the late-night numbers for the week of April 14-18.
[04/24/14 - 10:30 AM]
truTV Unveils Designers Competing on the New Series "Motor City Masters"
Brooke Burns hosts the series, premiering Tuesday, June 24 at 10:00/9:00c on the cable channel.
[04/24/14 - 10:01 AM]
Rising British Band Rixton to Perform on Monday, April 28 Live Telecast of "The Voice"
Coaches Shakira and Usher will perform a song with their respective teams on the Tuesday show.
[04/24/14 - 09:07 AM]
NBC Sports Group Presents Record 15.5 Hours of Kentucky Derby Coverage
NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, which has been honored with the Eclipse Award in the Television-Live Programming category for the past two years, includes 7.5 hours on Derby Day on NBC and NBCSN.
[04/24/14 - 08:50 AM]
Encore Telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Builds On Its Lead-In by 10% in Adults 18-49
NBC spins the numbers for Wednesday, April 23.
[04/24/14 - 08:45 AM]
Wednesday's Broadcast Ratings: FOX Tops Viewers, Demos with "American Idol"
The network's mainstay is up double-digits from last week among adults 18-49.