Starz’ Party Down comedy series has a second home, the company announced in a press release on Thursday, March 7.
The network approved “broadcast friendly”versions of the show for the newly christened Esquire Network, formerly G4, which will begin airing in April 2013, according to the release.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Esquire’s official name change will go into effect April 22, giving some further clarity as to when the series may appear.
Gene George, executive vice-president of worldwide distribution for Starz, said the company was “very pleased” with the agreement and said Starz would continue “to find new distribution partners for our wide range of STARZ Original series and other owned and licensed content here in the U.S. and abroad.”
Matt Monos, senior vice-president of program planning and acquisitions for Esquire called the show “laugh out loud funny” and was excited to “introduce many fans of all ages to a revered modern age comedy classic.”
Party Down follows six wannabes, who come to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune only to end up working as caterers. The show starred Adam Scott ( Step Brothers ), Ken Marino ( Role Models ), Lizzy Caplan ( True Blood ), and Jane Lynch ( Glee ).
One potential downside to the new Starz-Esquire deal: Starz ended Party Down in 2010, so new viewers may by letdown when they get to episode 20 and find out that’s all she wrote.
However, this is probably an attempt on the part of Starz to breathe new life into a show some feel was canceled before it should have been.
Check out all the IMDb pages of the headlining cast, and you’ll find Party Down listed in “pre-production,” so it’s likely the Esquire deal is a move to gauge reboot potential.
The “testing” concept has worked well for Arrested Development , so why not here? Besides, Starz could use some original programming help once Spartacus ends after season three.
Do you think a Party Down reboot will happen? Do “broadcast-friendly” versions really help shows build an audience?
