Oxygen gets cable rights to

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Oxygen Media and Twentieth Television have reached an exclusive agreement for the basic cable syndication rights to Twentieth Century Fox’s critically-acclaimed television hit series “Glee.”   The multi-year deal was announced today by Steve MacDonald, EVP, General Sales Manager, Basic Cable of Twentieth Television and Jason Klarman, President, Oxygen Media.


In commenting on the announcement, MacDonald said, “This is a unique syndication opportunity and we’re thrilled to be working on it with Oxygen. This deal not only provides viewers with the opportunity to see even more of the drama, comedy, song and dance that they have come to expect from ‘Glee’, but also extends the reach of this pop-culture phenomenon’s brand through a new reality series.”

 “’Glee’ is the No. 1 hit  show for women 18-34 and Generation O is obsessed with it,” added Jason Klarman, President, Oxygen Media. “It’s Live Out Loud in every way.”

“Glee” will join the Oxygen line-up with a weekend marathon of the second season in January 2011. This will be followed by a companion unscripted reality competition series to discover the next “Glee” star scheduled to premiere in June 2011.  Oxygen will retain exclusive basic cable rights to telecast all seasons throughout the Oxygen schedule beginning in 2013.

Entering its second season this fall and renewed for a third season on FOX, “Glee” is a biting musical comedy that has quickly become a pop-culture phenomenon. The highest-rated new scripted series of the season among key demos boasts critical acclaim, a loyal fan base of “Gleeks,” two certified Gold albums and more than 10 million song downloads. “Glee” was recently honored with a Peabody Award; a Golden Globe for Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical; a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series; and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy. The cast has performed for the President and First Lady at the White House, appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” sang the national anthem at the World Series and graced the covers of Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone.

The series follows an eager but naïve teacher, Will Schuster, who is on a mission to save McKinley High’s Glee Club – one kid and one song at a time.  The glee club’s aspiring stars includes Rachel (Lea Michele), a pint-size diva with powerhouse pipes; Finn (Cory Monteith), the gullible quarterback with rock-and-roll blood; Kurt (Chris Colfer), the soprano with a heart of gold; diva extraordinaire Mercedes (Amber Riley); geeky but ghetto guitarist Artie (Kevin McHale); Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), the punk rocker with a sweet side; icy cheerleader Quinn (Dianna Agron); arrogant Puck (Mark Salling); and dim wit cheerleaders Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana (Naya Rivera). Will is determined to help the kids, but at every turn he is battling with his nemesis, the malicious cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), and his evil ex wife Terri (Jesslayn Gilsig) and unfortunately his only ally is guidance counselor and O.C.D. patient Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays).

In addition to the regular cast, “Glee” has featured guest appearances by a wide range of talented performers, including Kristen Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Molly Shannon, Neil Patrick Harris, Mike O’Malley and Olivia Newton-John. “Glee” is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto and Ian Brennan serve as executive producers.
 
(Source: Oxygen Media, Twentieth Television)