Hunger Games to Make TV Debut on ABC Family

BURBANK/SANTA MONICA: ABC Family has scored the network television premiere rights for The Hunger Games, which broke box office records with this weekend’s opening, from Lionsgate.

The film brought in an estimated $155 million at the North American box office this weekend, making it the third highest-grossing opening weekend of all time. The acquisition also includes the network TV premiere rights for Catching Fire, the second movie in the Hunger Games franchise. Both films will begin airing on ABC Family in 2014.

“It’s an understatement to say that we are thrilled to add the first two films of The Hunger Games franchise to our channel lineup,” said Michael Riley, the president of ABC Family. “This tremendous opening weekend reinforces what we have already learned—a powerful heroine, themes of romance and iconic characters will keenly resonate with our Millennial audience. This franchise will continue to enhance our network for years to come.”

“We’re delighted to continue our rollout of The Hunger Games with this major sale to ABC Family,” added Jim Packer, the president of worldwide television and digital distribution for Lionsgate. “With its exciting programming lineup and the ongoing expansion and diversification of its core demo, we believe that ABC Family is the perfect home for The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, and we expect these first two installments of our franchise to resonate with audiences for many years.”