or


[03/23/10 - 07:50 AM]
IFC Expands Scripted Comedy Slate; Unveils New "Always ON. Slightly OfF." Brand and Tagline
Upcoming offerings include David Cross's "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret," "Onion News Network," "The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town" and "Dead Set."

[via press release from IFC]

IFC EXPANDS SCRIPTED COMEDY SLATE; UNVEILS NEW "ALWAYS ON. SLIGHTLY OFF." BRAND AND TAGLINE

IFC BRINGING ICONIC "THE ONION" BRAND TO TELEVISION WITH "ONION NEWS NETWORK" ORIGINAL SERIES

NETWORK REUNITING "ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT'S" DAVID CROSS & WILL ARNETT WITH NEW ORIGINAL SERIES "THE INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET"

NEW YORK, NY - March 23, 2010 - IFC announced today a fresh, eclectic new programming slate, as well as a new look and brand direction, embodied by the tagline, "Always On. Slightly Off." Unveiling this month, the new brand is an evolution of IFC's original programming strategy, and reflects the attitude of its 70 percent male audience (Source: MRI Spring 2009).

Against the backdrop of this new brand, IFC is evolving its programming mandate from a focus on indie film to being a home for original and acquired content that bears an "Always On. Slightly Off." sensibility. Continuing its commitment to original programming, the network has greenlit two new series with an emphasis zon scripted comedy, a genre already thriving on the network with series like "Food Party," "The Whitest Kids U' Know," "Arrested Development" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus."

"The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret" stars David Cross and Will Arnett in their first project together since "Arrested Development." This IFC original series will air in fall 2010. "Onion News Network" is first television series based on the popular alternative weekly fake newspaper and web series, slated to air in first quarter 2011.

In addition, IFC has acquired "Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town," a "Kids in the Hall" reunion series debuting in August, and "Dead Set," a satirical zombie horror series that takes place on the set of the U.K.'s "Big Brother" house, premiering in October 2010.

"Our re-brand and these new shows were driven by IFC evolving from being first and foremost about indie film to showcasing programming that's 'always on' the mark, but with a 'slightly off' indie perspective," said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC. "It's a perspective and attitude we share with our audience, who crave the kinds of unconventional stories, characters, talent, execution, and above all, authenticity, we provide."

Added Caserta: "Already our original scripted comedies are pulling in a loyal fan base and we're thrilled to expand our commitment to the genre by working with such comedic geniuses as David Cross, Will Arnett and the masterminds behind The Onion."

"We're also continuing our successful strategy of executing traditional formats in unexpected ways, with series like 'Food Party,' and we remain committed to rescuing TV that's just outside the mainstream, with the return of 'Kids in the Hall.' It's all part of our new 'sharp-cool-twisted' content filter, which allows us to develop and recommend great shows that our viewers can connect with and pass on to their friends."

The following is IFC's line-up of original series in production and acquired series:

Original Series in Production

"The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret," 6x30

Created by, written by, and starring David Cross ("Arrested Development," "Alvin and the Chipmunks"), "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret" follows the misadventures of Todd Margaret (Cross), a corporate nobody and pathological liar who unexpectedly finds himself running his company's London office. Assigned by his blowhard boss (Arnett) to launch a new (and terrible) energy drink, Todd Margaret is quickly in over his head, knowing nothing about British culture... or sales.

Special guest appearances by Spike Jonze ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Amber Tamblyn ("The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants") add yet another layer to the comedic misfortunes.

"The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret" is a co-production between IFC and RDF Television, part of the RDF Media Group, co-written by Shaun Pye ("Extras") and executive produced by RDF TV's Head of Comedy, Clelia Mountford. Executive producers for IFC are Debbie DeMontreux, Jennifer Caserta, Evan Shapiro, Dan Pasternack and Christian Vesper. The series will premiere on IFC in fourth quarter 2010.

"Onion News Network," 10x30

The best fake news network in the world brings a scripted comedy series to television for the first time on IFC. Inspired by the weekly newspaper and based on the web series of the same name, "Onion News Network" on IFC will be a weekly report of nonsensical news, hilarious headlines and over-the-top debates between the show's news anchors and guests.

"Onion News Network" is executive produced by Julie Smith and Will Graham and produced by Area Man Productions LLC. Executive producers for IFC are Jennifer Caserta, Evan Shapiro, Debbie DeMontreux and Christine Lubrano. The series will make its debut on IFC in first quarter 2011.

Acquired Series

"The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town," 8x30

Famous for their sketch comedy, all five original Kids - Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson - reunite in this eight episode comical murder-mystery series in an all-new narrative format. The Kids play nearly all of the 20 new characters, including men, women and a Grim Reaper called "Death."

When the mayor of Shuckton, Ontario is found murdered everyone in the town is a suspect. When an arrest is made and the trial plays out, the entire town is affected and its dark secrets are unraveled and exposed.

"The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town" will make its U.S. debut on IFC in August 2010. The series was conceived by Bruce McCulloch who also executive produces. It was co-written by all five Kids and is produced by Susan Cavan of Accent Entertainment.

"Dead Set," 1x45, 4x30

During eviction night on the U.K. "Big Brother" series, zombies emerge and begin attacking humans. Meanwhile, the remaining housemates are clueless as to what's happening outside their four walls, and are unknowingly kept safe from the chaos that's erupted on the streets as zombies make their way into the television studio only feet away. Few people are able to escape from the walking dead as they prey on helpless victims, including one of the show's crew members, Kelly. When she makes her way into the house to alert the cast, they work together to concoct an escape plan. Will they make it to safety without being "bitten"?

"Dead Set" will make its U.S. debut on IFC over five nights, October 25-29, at midnight (12 am et/pt). "Dead Set" is produced by Endemol Entertainment with Zeppotron, directed by Yann Demange and written and created by Charlie Brooker.

About IFC

IFC creates and champions authentic, original content presented with an indie perspective that is "Always On. Slightly Off." From acquired series like Arrested Development, to quintessential films like Office Space, and original productions such as Food Party and Dinner With The Band, IFC recommends and delivers traditional content in a non-traditional way. IFC's original programming airs alongside a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics, as well as content inspired by music, web, gaming, animation, news, culture and more. IFC broadens its passionate and influential audience with exclusive live coverage of festivals and music events like the Film Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. IFC.com features exclusive video, interviews, news, reviews and more. The network's On Demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch IFC's original series at their convenience. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.

About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world's most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Festival Direct, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media's multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.





  [march 2010]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (NETFLIX)
· DEAD SET (IFC)
· FOOD PARTY (IFC)
· INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET, THE (IFC)
· KIDS IN THE HALL: DEATH COMES TO TOWN (IFC)
· ONION NEWS NETWORK (IFC)
· ONION SPORTSDOME (COMEDY CENTRAL)
· WHITEST KIDS U'KNOW, THE (IFC)





[01/29/25 - 11:44 AM]
"Little House on the Prairie," A Reimagining of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Book Series, Is Coming to Netflix
Part family drama, part survival tale, and part origin story, the series will offer a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the American West.

[01/29/25 - 11:08 AM]
"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" Returns February 16
The weekly series has received 30 Emmys since its premiere in 2014.

[01/29/25 - 11:02 AM]
Discovery Channel February Programming Highlights
Highlights include new installments of "Contraband: Seized at the Border" and "Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans" plus "Puppy Bowl XXI."

[01/29/25 - 10:41 AM]
Awesomeness TV Lands the Rights to "That Friend," from Comedian and Digital Star Sabrina Brier
Set against the vibrant, Gen Z-driven energy of New York City, the upcoming series will follow a 20-something aspiring influencer as she navigates the chaos of building her podcast while balancing life with her three best friends, coping with a dwindling bank account, and chasing her dreams of making it big.

[01/29/25 - 10:30 AM]
Video: "Deli Boys" - Official Teaser - Hulu
Things are about to get messy. Stream "Deli Boys" on March 6, only on Hulu.

[01/29/25 - 10:19 AM]
CBS' "FBI" Tuesday Up from Its Season Average
The flagship "FBI" averaged 8.36 million Live+SD viewers, up +1% from its STD average (8.31 million viewers).

[01/29/25 - 09:02 AM]
Video: "Hot Wheels Let's Race" Season 3 Trailer - Netflix Jr
Coop and his friends have trained for this moment their whole lives. Now, three epic races will decide who wins the Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage!

[01/29/25 - 09:02 AM]
"Live with Kelly and Mark" Skyrockets to Season Highs in All Key Measures Earning Best Total Viewer Audience and Household Rating in Nearly a Year
The show earned its best Total Viewer audience (2.52 million) and its best Household numbers (1.68 rating) in nearly a year.

[01/29/25 - 09:01 AM]
Jazwares Goes Deeper Into the Upside Down with Netflix's "Stranger Things" to Launch All-New Toy Line
Jazwares will launch a robust product line inspired by the show's beloved characters and themes from the highly anticipated "Stranger Things 5" season and its animated series spinoff currently in the works.

[01/29/25 - 09:00 AM]
"Survivor" Announces the 18 New Castaways Competing on the 48th Edition with a Two-Hour Season Premiere on Wednesday, Feb. 26
The trailblazing reality series, which shifts to 90-minute weekly episodes beginning Wednesday, March 5 at 8:00 PM, returns with a bold new group of competitors, inspired gameplay and momentous tribal councils.

[01/29/25 - 09:00 AM]
Video: Official Trailer Released for Clever Crime Comedy "Ludwig" Starring David Mitchell
The detective show broke viewership records out of the UK, with more than 9.5 million viewers and a second season already confirmed.

[01/29/25 - 08:45 AM]
Prime Video Orders Megan Park Drama Sterling Point to Series
Park created the series and will also direct, executive produce, and co-showrun alongside Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.

[01/29/25 - 08:22 AM]
Suspenseful Whodunnit Series "Who Shot Otto Mueller?" Makes Exclusive US Debut Thursday, February 13, 2025 on Viaplay
This twisty contemporary thriller, which received a Best International Series nomination at Geneva International Film Festival, explores the deadly consequences of family secrets, betrayal, and revenge, all while testing the limits of loyalty and justice.

[01/29/25 - 08:00 AM]
Special Performances to Highlight "The 67th Annual Grammy Awards" Include a Star-Studded Salute to the Life and Legacy of Quincy Jones, Tributes Celebrating the City of Los Angeles and Annual in Memoriam Segment
Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Janelle MonĂ¡e, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent and Stevie Wonder are set to appear.

[01/29/25 - 07:39 AM]
Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan to Return for "Marble Hall Murders"
This is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed fan-favorites "Magpie Murders" and "Moonflower Murders," which premiered on "Masterpiece" in 2022 and 2024, respectively.