Merkin Muffley

Cuban's Coups Enrich Roster

Canceled 'Arrested Development' Heading for HDNet

By James Hibberd

Mark Cuban's surprise deal to make his niche network HDNet Dan Rather's new home wasn't the only big television coup the billionaire had up his sleeve last week.

Mr. Cuban, chairman and president of HDNet, is close to acquiring all three seasons of the critically acclaimed Fox comedy "Arrested Development" from Twentieth Television, sources said.

The series, which was shot in high definition, will join a roster of recently canceled prime-time series on HDNet's schedule. Mr. Cuban acquired former CBS drama "Joan of Arcadia" and former Showtime series "Dead Like Me" in April.

The deal for "Arrested Development" was being completed last week, days after Mr. Cuban stole the spotlight from exponentially bigger networks at the Television Critics Association's semi-annual cable press tour with an announcement that veteran former CBS newsman Mr. Rather will join HDNet, which is available in about 3 million homes. (Fully distributed cable networks are available in more than 90 million homes.)

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Chew

I might have to actually add the HD package again.

Vipper II

I wanna cornhole, too, damn it! Why the crap can't Comcast add HDNet?

pinata242

If Cox doesn't add HDNet soon, I have a feeling my Analrapist is going to be working overtime.

duse

It's no question that this is great news, but come August 29th, Season 3 will be out, so I'd think that most of the fans will have all of the seasons on DVD.

SonOfAStu

1080i HD saved to my DVR > DVD

Chew

The entire run would nearly fill up a typical HD DVR (assuming 30 HD hours). Better get a second one.

SonOfAStu

True enough, but HDNet content is easy to transfer to disc.

duse

That is true. I have about seven or so of the epidsodes on my DVR, so even though they are in HD, I'll be glad to be able to dump them in August to free up some room. Plus, it's very difficult to stop and start the recording on my DVR to edit out the commercials.

But, that is good news that it will be re-run, period.

Chew

The good news is that HDNet typically runs their shows with limited commercials during the episode. Rather than taking 30 minutes of DVR space, it could be more like 23-24.

Achtung

Brilliant news. Thanks again, Mark.

rossi46

Great news! Luckily Oceanic Cable out here in Hawaii carries HDNet as part of the HD package.

Snowmaker

Has anyone else heard about the AD movie in the works?