Damages Heads to DIRECTV

CULVER CITY/EL SEGUNDO: Sony Pictures Television’s Damages has been greenlit for two additional seasons, to be broadcast exclusively on satellite platform DIRECTV.

The acclaimed series with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne aired for three seasons on FX. Close, Byrne and other principal cast members are due to return for seasons four and five in 2011 and 2012, respectively. SPT will produce a total of 20 episodes for DIRECTV, which has also scooped up the rights to the first three seasons of the show,

This is not the first time DIRECTV has saved a show from the brink of cancellation. The platform currently has a deal to air new episodes of Friday Night Lights before they air on NBC.

“We’re excited to partner with Sony Pictures Television as we breathe new life into this outstanding drama,” said Patty Ishimoto, general manager of The 101 Network and VP of entertainment for DIRECTV. “It’s a win for our customers because only they will be able to see these new episodes and another great step forward for DIRECTV as we continue to build our growing portfolio of exclusive, award winning programming.”

John Landgraf, president and general manager of FX Networks, who also heads FX Productions, noted: “FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but, in order to have a future, the show needed DIRECTV and we are thrilled they stepped in. Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons.”