'Passions' heads to DirecTV

[Earl Bonovich]

'Passions' heads to DirecTV


NBC is closing in on a deal that will keep sudser "Passions" alive via an unusual outlet: DirecTV.
In what would be its biggest-ever original programming initiative, satellite provider is set to acquire original episodes of the soap opera from NBC U TV Studio. Segs would likely begin airing this fall, after the sudser ends its run on NBC.
...


See the rest of the story at: Variety.com (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117963754.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1)

[Earl Bonovich]

Even though I am not a "Soap" guy...
To me this is intresting news... as DirecTV continues to grow their own "exclusive/in-house" channel.

[DaveTheWave]

That is a horrible show, but the wife watches it...

It drives me crazy... She will watch "Passions" but she will not watch BSG :nono2:

Like you said Earl, interesting for DirectTV business wise...

[uncrules]

For years D* has been using sports exclusives to drive consumers to it's service. Now it will be using programming that's watched mostly by women. I wonder how many people they will get to switch from the current provider to D* for this reason.

[Earl Bonovich]

For years D* has been using sports exclusives to drive consumers to it's service. Now it will be using programming that's watched mostly by women. I wonder how many people they will get to switch from the current provider to D* for this reason.

I know many people that switch to DirecTV/Dish because of similar reasons..
(Comcast moved SCI-FI to the Digital Plan, instead of analog... so instead of upgrading to COMCAST Digitial, they decided to change carriers... so they can continue to watch BSG, SG1 and SGA)

[dgsiiinc]

Can this programming survive on the 101? The Variety article mentions that the typical weekly cost for a soap is around $1 mil. Even at half that, a $500k/week program costs $26m annually.

Perhaps this will end up being a low cost subscription offering based on the new VOD capabilities.

[Earl Bonovich]

Can this programming survive on the 101? The Variety article mentions that the typical weekly cost for a soap is around $1 mil. Even at half that, a $500k/week program costs $26m annually.

Perhaps this will end up being a low cost subscription offering based on the new VOD capabilities.

Yah never know...

[Earl Bonovich]

No Longer a rumor:

NBC's Passions to Work Its Magic on DIRECTV Viewers with All-New Episodes Beginning September 17


Fan Favorite Daytime Drama Joins DIRECTV's The 101 Lineup; New Episodes Produced by NBC Universal Television Studio Will Air on DIRECTV

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Apr 25, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NBC Universal Television Studio and DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television provider, today announced that the NBC Universal-produced daytime drama Passions has found a new home on DIRECTV where the popular program will continue for a 9th season. Under the new agreement, NBC Universal Television Studio will produce brand-new episodes to air Monday-Thursday on DIRECTV's original programming channel, The 101.

...


See the press release at: DirecTV Investor Relations (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=990389&highlight=)

[paulman182]

"Passions" has some really goofy story lines.

It's much more watchable than the "serious" soaps. I've only seen an episode or two, but it certainly is different.

My wife is always telling me about the belly laughs she gets from it.

[Pink Fairy]

I watched the first season...and I was still in high school...it started during the summer, so I got addicted...for a season or two...

I feel old now...9th season???

Bah!

[kevinturcotte]

NO!!! lol My Grandmother watches this, and doesn't know how to use the DVR, so I have to "watch" with her to work the DVR. I got all excited when I heard this was canceled, I wouldn't ever have to watch this STUPID show again lol Well, maybe I can lie and not tell her about the deal hehe Course, with my luck, they'll announce it on the last episode or something lol

[elguapo79]

Very interesting deal.

I must echo those who already said this is a horrible show, though. It must have a cult following, my fiancee included.

They actually had a tsunami storyline and it seems like every other time I get forced to "watch" there's a rape scene. Horrible, terrible show. I'm saddened to learn that I get stuck seeing any of it as I was celebrating is cancellation. :nono2:

[kevinturcotte]

If Directv wants to get into the soap opera biz, you'd think they'd do their own show, or at least buy one with good ratings lol I'm SURE there's a reason NBC doesn't want to air it anymore lol

[army1]

just another channel to block

[Mike D-CO5]

I love this show. It reminds me of Dark Shadows when I was a kid. Except the story lines are outrageous and funny as hell. The whole show is meant to be taken in a tongue and cheek mode. The references to Bewitched and the numerous guest stars including Dr. Bombay himself - the witch doctor on Bewitched , make this show a funny escapism adventure. The acting is terrible and the story lines are slow and plodding and yet I look forward to watching it with my wife every day. I will miss it though. I can't justify two sat providers just for this one show.

[machavez00]

I wonder if it will be shown in HD. I would not mind seeing Heidi Mueller or Silvana Arias in HD

http://www.heidimueller.com/Images/Heidi1.jpg http://www.silvanaarias.com/Images/silvana22.jpghttp://a630.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/4/l_f959240abbcdf2fa6897e4f31211f285.jpg

[kevinturcotte]

Yeah, there are a few good things about the show hehe

[shortkud]

I hope its in HD also.

[TMullenJr]

I love this show. It reminds me of Dark Shadows when I was a kid. Except the story lines are outrageous and funny as hell. The whole show is meant to be taken in a tongue and cheek mode. The references to Bewitched and the numerous guest stars including Dr. Bombay himself - the witch doctor on Bewitched , make this show a funny escapism adventure. The acting is terrible and the story lines are slow and plodding and yet I look forward to watching it with my wife every day. I will miss it though. I can't justify two sat providers just for this one show.

Dark Shadows rocked!

[Mike D-CO5]

Dark Shadows rocked!


I can still remember coming home from school when I was 6 and 7 and watching it everyday at 3:30pm central time. Angelique and Barnabus and the ever changing time stories with Quentin the ghost . I remember the room that would change from the present to the past and even parallel universes where all the characters were there too, but in different combinations -romantically. The acting sucked and the sets were flimsey but I loved the dark ,gothic ,supernatural stories. I think that this one show got me started on my love for sci- fi and horror shows. I watched it again when I was an adult about 9 or 10 years ago and watched it from start to finish twice. Wouldn't mind seeing it again if Sci- Fi would show it. I will miss Passions too as it reminded me so much of D.Shadows but with more tongue and cheek humor.

[Dalek1963]

Hi,
I wish Sci Fi was still showing Dark Shadows.

[petra1000]

Hello,

If Direct tv can get passions,m why not stargate sg1?


thanks

william sims