HBO Announces Unique Scheduling Plan for HBO Films' Two-Part Miniseries Event Empire Falls

April 20, 2005

HBO has set a unique scheduling plan for HBO Films' two-part miniseries event EMPIRE FALLS, acclaimed director Fred Schepisi's adaptation of Richard Russo's Pulitzer Prize-winning best seller. Starring Ed Harris, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Paul Newman, Robin Wright Penn, Aidan Quinn and Joanne Woodward, Part 1 debuts SATURDAY, MAY 28 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), and Part 2 debuts SUNDAY, MAY 29 (9:00-10:30 p.m.). All times are ET/PT. In addition, Part 1 can also be seen Sunday, May 29 (9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.), just before the debut of Part 2.

HBO On Demand will offer a unique viewing option apart from any of the versions on the traditional linear channels. The eight "chapters" of the miniseries will be available separately starting Monday, May 30, only on HBO On Demand. Also available on HOD will be the two-part, original format version.

HBO2 will debut Parts 1 and 2 back-to-back on Monday, May 30 (8:00-11:30 p.m.), and throughout June, both HBO and HBO2 will present the two parts back-to-back as well as on consecutive days.

"Taken as a whole, this rollout of EMPIRE FALLS represents the latest example of how HBO is recreating the way television is made available to our viewers," noted David Baldwin, executive vice president, program planning, HBO. "This plan gives HBO subscribers almost unlimited choice and access to the event, while still allowing for the traditional excitement of a mini-series premiere over the holiday weekend."

HBO back-to-back playdates include: May 29 (7:00-10:30 p.m.), and June 1 (10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 8:00-11:30 p.m.), 18 (2:00-5:30 p.m.) and 21 (3:00-6:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.-2:25 a.m.).

HBO2 back-to-back playdates include: May 30 (8:00-11:30 p.m.), and June 2 (2:00-5:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.-2:20 a.m.), 8 (11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), 12 (8:00-11:30 p.m.) and 26 (8:30 a.m.-noon).

HBO consecutive playdates include: June 6 (Part 1) and 7 (Part 2), beginning at 4:00 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m.; and June 14 (Part 1) and 15 (Part 2), beginning at noon and again at 8:00 p.m.

HBO2 consecutive playdates include: May 28 (Part 1) and 29 (Part 2), beginning at 1:00 a.m.; June 22 (Part 1) and 23 (Part 2), beginning at 4:00 p.m.

EMPIRE FALLS is adapted by Richard Russo from his novel; directed by Fred Schepisi; Paul Newman, Scott Steindorff, Fred Schepisi and Marc Platt executive produce; William Teitler produces. Keri Putnam is the HBO executive in charge of the production.