or


[10/13/11 - 07:01 AM]
Starz Entertainment Announces Record Sampling Opportunities for "Boss" Series Debut
The first episode will be available for sampling online and on-demand beginning October 14, one week ahead of its premiere.

[via press release from Starz]

Starz Entertainment Announces Record Sampling Opportunities for "Boss" Series Debut

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 13, 2011 -- A full-episode sneak preview of the much-anticipated premiere of the STARZ Originals series, "Boss," will be available beginning October 14. An all-time Starz Entertainment high of 76 million households will have access to the sampling opportunities through select cable, satellite, and Telco affiliates in the United States. "Boss" debuts October 21 on STARZ at 10PM ET/PT.

The first episode will be available free for sampling online at www.starz.com/boss and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/boss.starz, on-demand and online through affiliates (see complete list below) and at various times on DISH Network's 101 Channel prior to the series premiere. The episode will also be available for sampling on DIRECTV's Audience Network following its debut on October 21. "Boss," which was renewed for a second season on STARZ last month, is produced by Lions Gate Television for Starz Entertainment.

"Boss," created by Farhad Safinia (Apocalypto), stars TV icon Kelsey Grammer, and has its first episode directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant in his TV directorial debut. Over its eight-episode first season, "Boss" centers on the Machiavellian machinations of Tom Kane, a fictional Chicago mayor (Grammer) with a dark secret.

Participating cable, satellite, and Telco affiliates offering the free on-demand sampling opportunities for the first episode include: Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Mediacom Communications Corporation, Insight Communications, Armstrong, Midcontinent Communications, Buckeye CableSystem, GCI, Blue Ridge Communications, Massillon Cable TV, and Antietam Cable Television.

In addition, the season premiere will be available online through Comcast's Xfinity TV (www.xfinitytv.com), DISH Network (www.DISHOnline.com) and Charter Communications (www.charter.net) online platforms. Users on the go can also view the first episode on Comcast's Xfinity TV app (www.xfinity.com/tvapp) for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

"We are delighted that the interest from affiliates in sampling the series across all platforms has been so strong, netting an unprecedented level of 'Boss' sampling opportunities," said Ed Huguez, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing for Starz Entertainment. "As witnessed by the early season two renewal, we feel great about the prospects for this magnificent series."

"The marketing campaign for 'Boss' has benefitted greatly from having an iconic figure in Kelsey playing such a memorable role as Mayor Kane," said Nancy McGee, executive vice president of marketing for Starz Entertainment. "The positive reaction from affiliates mirrors that which we have heard from early critical reviews and the tremendous support received from our promotional partners."

Future episodes of "Boss" will be available to STARZ subscribers on STARZ ON DEMAND and STARZ ONLINE the day after the Friday premiere.

"Boss" is executive produced by Golden Globe(R) and Emmy Award(R) winner Kelsey Grammer, who also stars as Mayor Tom Kane, marking the actor's dramatic TV series debut. Joining Grammer in the main cast are Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, The Devil's Advocate) as his wife Meredith, a formidable Chicago power in her own right; Hannah Ware (Cop Out) as the Kanes' estranged daughter Emma; Jeff Hephner ("The O.C.," "Hellcats," "Easy Money") as ambitious young politician Ben Zajac; Kathleen Robertson ("Girls Club," "Beverly Hills 90210," Hollywoodland) as Mayor Kane's supremely organized chief of staff Kitty O'Neil; Martin Donovan ("Weeds," Unthinkable) as Kane's senior advisor, a savvy Yale graduate who helps the Mayor achieve his agenda; and Troy Garity (Sunshine, Bandits) as enterprising journalist Sam Miller, who is zeroing in on Kane.

"Boss" explores the complexities of Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer), who sits like a spider at the center of Chicago's web of power - a web built on a covenant with the people. They want to be led, they want disputes settled, jobs dispensed, and loyalties rewarded. If he achieves this through deception and questionable ethics, so be it. As long as he gets the job done, they look the other way. But now, despite being the most effective mayor in recent history, a degenerative brain disorder is ripping everything away from him. He can't trust his memory, his closest allies, or even himself. Kane's wife Meredith (Connie Nielsen) knows nothing; theirs is a marriage of convenience. Kitty O'Neil (Kathleen Robertson), has her suspicions but stays silent, and Kane's political advisor Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan) does what the Mayor requires, no questions asked. Only Emma (Hannah Ware), Kane's estranged daughter, has a chance of learning his secret. This is going to be the toughest term yet for the Boss.

Farhad Safinia is executive producer on the series, along with Grammer, Van Sant, Brian Sher, Stella Bulochnikov, Richard Levine and Lyn Greene. Lions Gate Television is producing "Boss" in association with Grammer's Grammnet NH Productions, Roya Productions and Old Friends Productions.

Grammer, who earned a Tony Award(R) nomination in 2010 for his starring role in the Broadway production of "La Cage Aux Folles," is a multiple Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R) Award winner for his portrayal of Frasier Crane in the long-running TV series "Cheers" and "Frasier." His dramatic feature film credits include X-Men: The Last Stand and 15 Minutes.

Van Sant's credits include Milk, Good Will Hunting (both of which earned him Oscar(R) nominations for Best Director), Finding Forrester and To Die For. He also played himself in an episode of the television series "Entourage."

About Starz Entertainment

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ(R) and ENCORE(R) brands with approximately 19 million and 32.9 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation and is attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).

The official "Boss" trailer, and behind the scenes videos are available at www.starz.com/boss. Viewers will also be able to follow "Boss" on Twitter: www.twitter.com/boss_starz and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/boss.starz.





  [october 2011]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· BOSS (STARZ)





[08/29/25 - 10:46 AM]
National Geographic Documentary Films Announces Global Acquisition of Streaming Rights to Werner Herzog Documentary "Ghost Elephants" Following Venice World Premiere
The documentary will make its U.S. premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend.

[08/29/25 - 10:08 AM]
"Prison Break" Turns 20: Executive Producer Dawn Olmstead Curates Episode Collections on Hulu
It's been 20 years since Michael Scofield entered Fox River State Penitentiary on a mission: break brother Lincoln out.

[08/29/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "French Lover" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When a jaded actor meets a down-on-her-luck waitress in Paris, their unexpected love story begins - but will it survive the glare of the spotlight?

[08/29/25 - 08:02 AM]
Video: Prime Video Unveils Paris Trailer and New Cast for the Final Episodes of "The Summer I Turned Pretty"
Joining the series in recurring roles are Corinna Brown, Fernando Cattori, Isaline Prevost Radeff, and Jahz Armando.

[08/29/25 - 05:43 AM]
"Sounds of Summer" - Feel-Good, Music-Packed Movie About Swedish Pop Icons Gyllene Tider Makes Exclusive US Debut Thursday, September 18, 2025 on Viaplay
Directed by Per Simonsson and named after the band's most enduring hit, "Sounds of Summer" is a breezy, very inspiring 97-minute ride that follows Gessle from small-town outsider to pop trailblazer.

[08/29/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "RIV4LRIES" - Official Trailer - Netflix
At a middle school in Pisa, no one has ever challenged the cool kids - until new girl Terry arrives with bold ideas and the rivalries begin.

[08/29/25 - 02:01 AM]
Video: "Love Is Blind: UK" Season 2 - The Reunion - Official Trailer - Netflix
Who's saying "I still do?" Emma and Matt host this season's couples and special guests as tea is spilled and secrets are revealed in a fiery reunion.

[08/28/25 - 02:03 PM]
Wonder Project Announces October 5 Streaming Subscription Launch Date on Prime Video and Premiere Date for "House of David" Season Two; Unveils First Look Images of the Hit Drama Series
Season Two of the biblical drama series House of David from Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios follows the aftermath of the battle between David and Goliath and David's rise to the throne.

[08/28/25 - 12:12 PM]
Video: "The Hospital" - A Comedy Improv Sketch Show - Premieres Wednesday, September 10
The Hospital offers a "behind-the-scenes" look at what happens when you mix improv comedy with total medical negligence.

[08/28/25 - 11:02 AM]
Shudder Launches Biggest Ever Programming Event "Season of Screams" - Featuring a Monster Lineup of New Films, Series and Live Watch Parties on Shudder TV - From September 1 Through December 31
Shudder's "Season of Screams" features highly anticipated films such as the acclaimed Dangerous Animals, a new installment in the popular "V/H/S" franchise - "V/H/S/Halloween" - and the found footage breakout hits "House on Eden" and "Hell House LLC: Lineage."

[08/28/25 - 11:01 AM]
MGM+ Greenlights "Words + Music," Inspired by the Critically Hailed Audible Original Series, Featuring Grammy Winners Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, John Legend and Alanis Morissette
"Words + Music" is set to premiere this fall on MGM+ in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

[08/28/25 - 10:06 AM]
ESPN Unveils Deep Roster of NBA Game Commentators for 2025-26 Season
Veteran analyst Tim Legler will join ESPN's lead NBA broadcast team, which includes Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen, analyst and NBA Champion Richard Jefferson and reporter Lisa Salters.

[08/28/25 - 10:05 AM]
HBO Original Two-Part Documentary "Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television" Debuts September 9
The project takes audiences on a two-part journey through the history of Black representation on television, showcasing how Black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions.

[08/28/25 - 10:01 AM]
Video: National Geographic Documentary Films Unveils Trailer for "Lost in the Jungle," the Unbelievable Story of Four Indigenous Children Who Survived a Plane Crash in the Amazon, Ahead of World Premiere at Telluride Film Festival
For the first time ever, the four Indigenous children who survived the Colombian plane crash on May 1, 2023 - and then endured 40 days alone in the jungle - share their extraordinary story of survival, told in their own words.

[08/28/25 - 09:38 AM]
Video: Tubi Debuts Trailer for Stand-Up Comedy Special "Rel Talk" from Lil Rel Howery
"It feels amazing to bring this special to my city, my people, and now to the millions of folks watching on Tubi," said Howery.