‘Elementary’: WGN America scores off-network rights to Jonny Lee Miller series
Do you want to know just how in-demand “Elementary” is when it comes to cable syndication already? Let’s just say that someone has already swooped in and scored the off-network cable rights to the series, even if it is only in its second season.
In a statement today, WGN America confirmed that they have scored the cable rights to air all seasons of the Jonny Lee Miller drama after each one airs on CBS, and Matt Cherniss, President and General Manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios, had the following to say all about it:
“Elementary is a first-rate drama and terrific addition to the lineup of compelling content that is redefining WGN America. It’s a perfect complement to our recent off-network acquisition, Person Of Interest, and we’re excited to be the exclusive syndicated home for this great show.
“Elementary is a smart, high-quality series that has been a strong performer for CBS since it premiered. We’re confident it will be the latest in CBS’s deep pipeline of dramas to make its mark in off-network cable syndication as well.”
There is something that needs to be said here right away: Do not take this as a sure sign that “Elementary” will get four full seasons, as there is a difference between off-network cable syndication, and then regular syndication that happens when a show gets to that key 88-episode threshold. With that being said, this move, coupled with the strong DVR numbers and the fact that CBS Television produces this show in-house, are all some strong evidence that it could be on the air for quite a while still. While we have had some concerns about it given that there are many other similar-rated shows on the network in danger, the factors we listed should be enough to get Sherlock Holmes and company a season 3. If that happens, you may as well pencil it in for a fourth season, since that will get it to those syndication numbers.
Obviously, we’ll have some more news on all things “Elementary” as the clues come out. For now, just be sure to sign up for our CarterMatt Newsletter if you want to ensure that you have updates on all things TV sent continuously to you.
Photo: CBS