In a significant development for the hit television series, The Conners, the show will be airing its 100th episode in March. This milestone allows the show to enter off-network syndication, making it available to a wider audience across the United States. Furthermore, the spinoff series is set to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps, joining Roseanne in broadcast syndication in September. The successful syndication deals inked by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury will enable The Conners to be broadcasted in access and early fringe time periods on various television stations. This article delves into the details of this exciting next chapter for The Conners.
Utilizing Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury, Werner Entertainment has managed to secure extensive syndication opportunities for The Conners. With multi-year deals covering over 85% of the United States, fans of the show will be able to catch their favorite characters in access and early fringe time slots from 3 PM to 8 PM. The CBS Television Stations, along with stations owned by Gray, Nexstar, Lockwood, Scripps, and Weigel, will play a crucial role in bringing The Conners to a broader audience. The collaboration between Werner Entertainment and Lionsgate’s distribution arms ensures a comprehensive approach to domestic and global syndication, encompassing SVOD, AVOD, basic cable, and FAST rights.
In a remarkable turn of events, Lionsgate recently struck a deal with the CW to air repeats of The Conners during primetime slots. This partnership provides an additional avenue for viewers to engage with the show, as it expands its reach beyond its original network, ABC. The Conners has already demonstrated its popularity, ranking as ABC’s most-watched comedy series last season. The decision to partner with the CW showcases the confidence both Lionsgate and the CW have in the show’s ability to captivate audiences across various platforms and networks.
With the ever-decreasing number of comedy series making it to six seasons and beyond, the off-network syndication pipeline has considerably dried up. However, The Conners, led by the accomplished Tom Werner, breaks this trend by providing the highest-rated sitcom to enter off-network syndication in recent memory. The show’s success and longevity in an increasingly competitive landscape will undoubtedly make it a valuable asset for its syndication partners. Co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury, Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, express their confidence that The Conners will serve as a cornerstone for their station partners, anchoring their late afternoon and early evening schedules for years to come.
The negotiation of the syndication deal was spearheaded by Ira Bernstein, Mort Marcus, and Lionsgate’s President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Jim Packer. The studio, UTA, and Jackoway Austen played instrumental roles in representing Werner Entertainment’s interests throughout the process. This collaboration facilitated the realization of an exceptional syndication agreement that ensures The Conners will continue to enthrall and entertain audiences across the nation.
As The Conners celebrates its 100th milestone episode, it opens up a whole new chapter in its success story. The series’ entry into off-network syndication, paired with its upcoming broadcast syndication debut, promises to bring the beloved characters and compelling stories to an even broader audience. With extensive syndication deals, including a prime-time spot on the CW, The Conners sets a new standard for comedy series entering syndication. This achievement showcases the enduring appeal and quality of the show, cementing its place as a cherished and influential part of television history.