Absentia: Five great US network homes for Stana Katic series
One of the things that made writing that first article (check it out over here) even more interesting was doing so without the gift of knowing when or where the series, from Sony Pictures Television Networks’ AXN, will land in the United States. The focus of this article is to try to figure that out further, and as a result of that, we come bearing some potential suggestions now!
NBC – In terms of broadcast networks, we know that they’ve got a very good relationship with Sony. They’ve got The Blacklist and Timeless from the studio, and they’ve had some other great shows in the past including Community. Maybe you pick up Absentia and run the ten episodes next year in between runs of The Blacklist or another show that could use a long hiatus.
ABC – This feels easy. Put the show in the old Castle timeslot after Dancing with the Stars. The network’s struggled to find a suitable replacement, so why not tap into those fans again?
TNT – Castle runs in syndication here, and there are some things tonally that would make sense here given that the network loves smart, complicated crime shows. Featuring Katic as an FBI agent with a huge gap in her memory seems right up their alley.
USA – When you look at some of the network’s other recent programming, whether it be Falling Water or Shooter, they seem to be interested in these sort of performance-based drama series that run 10-13 episodes right now. Absentia feels like it could fit in very well there.
Hulu – In looking at the various streaming providers, we do think that the show favors a model where you get a new episode a week. Hulu has connections to major broadcast networks, which is where Katic developed most of her following. This would be our ideal home for the show among this particular category.
There’s no definite timeline as to when the Stana Katic series could find a home, but this is something that we’re going to be watching / discussing further over the coming weeks. With that, stay tuned — we’re going to be dishing out updates every step of the way over at this link.
Meanwhile, share in the comments where you want to see the series end up. (Photo: Sony.)
Dave
April 23, 2017 @ 4:33 pm
I think one of the independent networks such as TNT would be best. Please remember that not all of Stana’s fans have access to high speed internet and a streaming service such as Hulu would not be available to them. However, nearly everyone has access to the networks and independents, so that would be the best provider.
Matt Carter
April 23, 2017 @ 9:51 pm
One idea that could be interesting is where a network and a streaming provider take co-ownership, similar to what CMT and Hulu are doing with Nashville.
Annoynomous
April 22, 2017 @ 11:56 pm
Supposedly a streaming service called Crackle will be showing Absentia, I’d never heard of it until now, I am mostly familiar with Amazon, Netflix or Hulu, the latter I think could be a good choice, though I am not sure how edgy the new show is in comparison to Castle, ie letting loose with swearing and sex, etc. That said I also think USA would be alright I think it’s getting more diverse with a lot more of the shows lately. Also, possibly TNT, they too seem to be getting into edgier television series lately, so that could be a good spot. Not really fealing like NBC would be a good fit, I personally just think there’s too many cop shows on that network alread for Stana’s show to be able to stand out from the rest. And lastly, just not ABC, I would hope that it’s not that network, what with the whole Castle debacle. Not only that I think it’d be better to completely separate from Castle’s Beckett and the new character. So just no to ABC. If anything I really would like the show to be on Netflix, however, again I am not quite sure if it’s edgy enough or be popular enough.
Bev Williams
April 22, 2017 @ 9:40 pm
ABC can kick rocks!! All the others are good suggestions though. I heard Absentia will be on Crackle (a steaming services owned by Sony).
Livus48
April 22, 2017 @ 9:16 pm
Anything but ABC,not after what they did.
Looking very much to watch this new show from Stana Katic????
LMC
April 22, 2017 @ 8:09 pm
TNT would be perfect. The network has a history of strong women in lead roles, and I think the censorship is a little more relaxed. ABC fired Stana Katic from a show she helped to make popular so no to them. Finally, I think it will be easier for her to divorce herself from “Beckett” and especially “Caskett” if ABC is not in the mix.
Jim45
April 22, 2017 @ 5:46 pm
I didn’t realize the relationship between Sony and NBC. Absentia would be an interesting move for Dungey at ABC Entertainment in so many ways.
paula
April 22, 2017 @ 5:22 pm
Not ABC!! They did not appreciate her! Stana Katic was the driving force.
Sony appreciates her talent, her depth is amazing!!