Ugly Betty Heads to TV Guide Network

LOS ANGELES: TV Guide Network has made its first scripted series acquisition, scoring the basic cable off-network rights to Ugly Betty.

The deal with Disney-ABC Domestic Television includes access to existing and future episodes of the popular ABC show, which will run on TV Guide Network as a weekly strip beginning fall 2010. The cable network has also scored repurpose rights for the new season, launching in October, enabling it to air episodes within two weeks of the ABC premiere. In addition, TVGuide.com will have the rights to stream up to five Ugly Betty episodes at a time online. 

“We are thrilled to be the exclusive cable and satellite home for a show as popular as Ugly Betty, which will become a cornerstone of TV Guide Network’s schedule,” said Ryan O’Hara, the president of TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com. “Ugly Betty is a show that both fans and critics love, and one we believe will attract new viewers and advertisers to our network and web site. This acquisition is the first step of a larger, ongoing plan to strengthen our programming schedule and redefine TV Guide Network as a place to watch great television.”

Now under new ownership—a joint venture of Lionsgate and One Equity Partners, the private equity firm of JPMorgan Chase—TV Guide Network is repositioning itself as an entertainment destination.