"Friday Night Lights": It's official! Two-season renewal!
Monday afternoon update: It's official! Deal's done!
Click here for the Variety story. More to come from my chat with Jason Katims later tonight once I'm (finally) off deadline.
One way or another, Monday should be a big day for "Friday Night Lights" fanatics. A final decision is expected to come from NBC and DirecTV on a two-season, 26-episode pickup of the acclaimed drama series.
Earlier this month, all signs were pointing to the Peacock and the satcaster were closing in on a deal to save the Imagine TV/Universal Media Studios series, but then early last week there was a hiccup over money -- what else? -- specifically the fee that DirecTV would pay for the right to air the episodes first, commercial-free, as the marquee offering on its 101 Network channel. That was the arrangement that kept the lights on for "FNL" this season, the show's third, and was hoped would continue for a fourth and fifth season of 13 segs each.
At one point it looked like the deal was off, but then clear eyes and full hearts prevailed and the talks resumed in the middle of last week. As of the weekend, the signs were again looking hopeful for the renewal, but insiders cautioned that the final fate of the Dillon Panthers et al would not be known until Monday.
As Slammin' Sammy Meade might say: Folks, this one's going down to the last kick.
Cynthia Littleton is deputy editor, news development at Variety and a veteran television reporter.
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They need to just hurry up and renew this show already. The waiting is killing me.
Posted by: Loriann Zello | March 30, 2009 at 07:51 AM
I will sign up for DirecTV if they renew FNL!
Posted by: Michael | March 30, 2009 at 09:08 AM
For the love of all that is shiny and good about tv as a storytelling medium, please just get 'er done!!
Posted by: Janie | March 30, 2009 at 12:33 PM
This show is a refreshing oasis in a barren land of bad TV shows. I hope it gets renewed!
Posted by: Ron Tarpley | March 30, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Is that Monday today or Monday next week? Either way I am hoping for a renewal and new that DirecTV will also save Chuck from the chopping block.
Posted by: Scooter McGavin | March 30, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Renew it already! :)
Posted by: ItsNotMe | March 30, 2009 at 01:32 PM
FNL is the best show on TV. Renew it already!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 30, 2009 at 03:07 PM
I will also commit to ordering DirectTV if they renew FNL. This is by far the absolute BEST thing that has EVER been on television.
Posted by: Rupert Cole | March 30, 2009 at 03:18 PM
OMG. I can't believe this is happening! Thanks for updating your post!
Posted by: ProgGrrl | March 30, 2009 at 03:53 PM
The suspense is killing me... put us out of our misery! :P Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Please RENEW!
Posted by: Lindz | March 30, 2009 at 03:57 PM
This just proves that Jesus loves us. This is by far the best show that has been on television in a long time, if not ever.
Posted by: Travis M | April 08, 2009 at 03:53 PM