ION Picks Up Drew Carey Show From Warner Bros.

WEST PALM BEACH, November
29: ION Media Networks has acquired the rights to the long-running sitcom The
Drew Carey Show from Warner Bros.
Domestic Cable Distribution, and will launch the series on ION Television with
a New Year’s Eve marathon.

Following the New Year’s
Eve marathon, which will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (ET), the series will be
added to the network’s weeknight prime-time lineup beginning New Year’s Day,
with back-to-back airings Mondays through Thursdays beginning at 9 p.m. The
network also has plans for contests, special features and interactive
experiences involving the series.

The half-hour
Emmy-nominated series, which lasted nine seasons, is set in Cleveland, Ohio,
and depicts the plight of over-worked, overweight, average-guy Drew, whose love
life is far from enviable. Mohawk Productions produced the series in
association with Warner Bros. Television. The Drew Carey Show was created by Drew Carey and Bruce Helford.

Drew Carey has recently taken
over the hosting duties of one of TV’s longest-running series, The Price Is
Right, and he also hosts the new
game show, The Power of 10. He
has won three People’s Choice Awards, and has been honored with a Star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“The Drew Carey Show will bring a nice breath of fresh air to ION
Television’s primetime lineup,” said Brandon Burgess, the CEO of ION Media
Networks. “It advances our plan to broaden our network’s appeal by targeting a
contemporary audience with timeless humor and entertainment.”

“We are thrilled to be in
business with ION and believe that their acquisition of The Drew Carey Show for their primetime lineup is a smart decision
based upon the show’s proven ratings track record and the star power of Drew
Carey, who is one of the most recognizable names in comedy today,” said Eric Frankel, the president of Warner Bros.
Domestic Cable Distribution.

—By Ned Berke