CTV Picks Up Charlie Sheen’s New Series

TORONTO: Charlie Sheen’s new comedy Anger Management is heading to Canada, as Bell Media has acquired the exclusive Canadian multiplatform rights to the half-hour series for CTV from Debmar-Mercury.

The former Two and a Half Men star returns to television in Anger Management, with production of the series to begin in early 2012. Loosely based on the hit 2003 feature film of the same name, the series features anger management therapist (Sheen), who may need more counseling than his patients, as he wreaks havoc on their lives through his unconventional methods. It is set to air in the U.S. on FX.

Bruce Helford (George Lopez, The Drew Carey Show) is executive producer and showrunner of the series, to be produced by Lionsgate Television, led by Television Group President Kevin Beggs and COO Sandra Stern; Joe Roth and Revolution Studios’ Vince Totino; Mark Burg’s production company, Evolution Management; and Ramon Estevez and Estevez Sheen Productions.

"I chose Anger Management because, while it might be a big stretch for me to play a guy with serious anger management issues, I think it is a great concept," Sheen said.

“Charlie Sheen’s Anger Management already has the television industry buzzing and it hasn’t even gone into production yet,” said Phil King, the president of CTV programming and sports. “With the pedigree behind this production, we’re confident this program will deliver to both viewers and advertisers alike.”

“Charlie Sheen is a global brand name, and Bell Media is one of the first of many blue chip media companies with whom we will be partnering as we launch this show worldwide,” said Jim Packer, the president of worldwide television and digital distribution at Lionsgate. “Bell Media immediately recognized the show’s long-term potential, and we’re delighted that Charlie will be entertaining audiences for years to come on CTV, Canada’s number one network.”