TV News Roundup: Week of October 14, 2013

Netflix is courting cable companies. Canda wants and may get a la cart. Two more series are cancelled, but many more current series get full season orders by their networks.

MONDAY:

• Netflix on Cable TV:
  The streaming service is in talks with a few cable companies, including Comcast, about adding the serives to the cable lineups. Netflix is looking to get into the homes that have a cable box, but no streaming box, to add to its subscriber base.
• More Netfilix news:
  On the programming side of the business, Netflix order a thriller drama from the creators of DAMAGES. The untitled series will produce 13 episodes.
• A La Cart... in Canada:
  The Canadian government is pushing its cable providers to unbundle its channels and begin allowing consumers to select channels via an a la cart system. Many, they get all the best stuff!

TUESDAY:

• Even more Netflix news:
  Netflix has ordered an untitled series from  Sony Pictures Television. This is the first time a "Big 5" studios has been commissioned for a series by the streaming service. Production begins in 2014.
• More Thursday Night Football:
  Although the NFL denies it, rumors are spreading that the NFL is looking into adding a second game on Thursday night in hopes of making the night more of an NFL event night and thus, help slumping ratings the NFL Network is experiencing with its package. Streaming services Google and Netflix are mentioned as possible broadcasters.

WEDNESDAY:

• AMC adds new series, renews two others:
  AMC is picking up the new series KING OF ARMS about the world of arm wrestling. It has also renewed current series FREAKSHOW and SMALL TOWN SECURITY.

THURSDAY:

• Hulu has new CEO:
  Mike Hopkins has been named the new CEO of Hulu. Hopkins was the former distribution executive at FOX.
• IDW Publishing getting into TV:
  COmic book publisher IDW is looking into expanding into TV projects with its vast catalog of comic book titles and franchises. Basically, it want to be the next Marvel. [LINK]
• CBS brinks book to the small screen:
  CBS has given a script commitment to develope the book THE NEVER LIST into a series.
• FOX orders action series:
  The action-adventure series HIEROGLYPH had been oicked up by FOX. The series is period drama based around ancient Egypt.

FRIDAY:

• Full season orders from CBS:
  Thursday sitcoms THE MILLERS and THE CRAZY ONES and Monday comedy MOM have all been given full season orders by CBS, for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.
• Full season order from FOX:
  BROOKLYN NINE-NINE has received a full season order from FOX and, the new sitcom will be paired with NEW GIRL for a one hour block after the 2014 Super Bowl.
• NBC cancels not one, but two series:
  Not to be out done by either ABC or CBS, NBC doubled the number of cancelled series for the 2013-14 season in one swoop. Gone from the peacock network are WELCOME TO THE FAMILY and IRONSIDE.
• More AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL:
  The CW has picked up a 21 season of the reality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL.
• More Betty White:
  Lifetime has picked up the realty hidden camera series BETTY WHITE'S OFF THEIR ROCKERS for 20 episodes. No premiere date has been set.
• Aereo to launch in Detroit:
  Detroit will get the streaming service on October 28 for nine counties.
• BBC orders series from THE X-FILES writer:
  A new series INTRUDERS has been ordered by BBC America.