Starz Worldwide Distribution, the global licensing and content syndication arm of Starz, announced today that the witty comedy series, “Party Down” – named by AFI and Time as one of the top 10 shows on TV in 2009 and 2010 respectively — will be coming to the Esquire Network beginning in April 2013 following the exclusive licensing of its U.S. broadcast rights.
Starz Worldwide Distribution is a business of Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) and sells STARZ Original series and other owned and licensed movie/TV programming domestically and worldwide. Formerly known as G4, Esquire Network will bring the iconic men’s brand to television as the definitive network for the modern, multi-faceted man.
Starz retains select on-demand and online rights to the show during the license period.
“’Party Down,’ with its smart and irreverent brand of humor, is a perfect fit for Esquire Network’s new lineup,” said Matt Monos, Esquire Network’s head of programming and acquisitions.“ The series was acclaimed by critics and viewers alike when it premiered on STARZ in 2009 and 2010, and we are pleased to introduce the revered comedy to an entirely new fan base.”
“We are very pleased to successfully complete this agreement with Esquire Network – the first such deal for ‘Party Down’ on U.S. broadcast television,” said Gene George, executive vice president of worldwide distribution for Starz. “We have continued 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.”
Alecia Dixon-Kurschner, Starz Worldwide Distribution’s VP, Domestic Television Sales added, “’Party Down” had many passionate supporters during its two-year run from fans and critics alike and we are very pleased to build on our working relationship with everyone at Esquire Network and help ‘Party Down’ find a broadcast TV home.”
