Deal will mean at least 20 seasons for ‘South Park’
“South Park” is going to be around for a long time.
Comedy Central has reached a new deal with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone that will extend the controversial animated series for three more seasons, into a milestone 20th season.
Parker and Stone, who are also key forces behind the smash Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon,” will continue to write, direct and edit each episode, as they have since the show’s 1997 premiere.
“Comedy Central has been our home for 15 years and we love working there,” they said in a statement, adding: “ ‘South Park’ is a blast and we can’t wait to make more.”
Casey trial returns
A TV movie is in the works about the sensational trial of Casey Anthony, the Florida woman who was eventually acquitted of killing her 2-year-old daughter.
Fox Television Studios has optioned the film and television rights to “Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony.” The book, which hit stores this week, was written by Jeff Ashton, a now-retired prosecutor from the trial.
The project is being developed for the Lifetime cable network, but it’s still in the early stages. It’s not yet known when it will air.
Jurors in July acquitted Anthony in the killing of her daughter, Caylee, and she was released from prison.
More sports on HBO
HBO will team with Sports Illustrated and Endgame Entertainment to produce a new sports documentary series.
“Sport in America: Our Defining Stories” is a multipart series scheduled to air in 2013. Sports Illustrated will run editorial packages in conjunction with the programs.
PBS announces lineup
There’s good news for fans of Sherlock Holmes and “Downton Abbey”: They’re both coming back to PBS next year.
A two-part examination of Bill Clinton’s presidency, a look at some celebrity family trees by Louis Gates and a series on American infrastructure hosted by a former “Survivor” contestant also are part of the Public Broadcasting Service’s new spring schedule.
An abrupt season ending to “Downton Abbey” with several unanswered questions – including whether the show was even going to return – led to angry phone calls from many fans, said Paula Kerger, PBS president.
The first season was only four episodes. The second season, set during World War I, contains seven episodes and starts Jan. 8.
The “Masterplace Mystery!” presentation of “Sherlock, Series 2” is set in 21st century London and will air in three episodes in May.
The “American Experience” documentary on Clinton premieres on President’s Day and features fresh interviews with many in the administration and some of the president’s adversaries, though not Clinton himself.
Dunn tribute slated
MTV will air a one-hour special tribute to former “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn, who died in a car accident in June.
The Nov. 28 special will give viewers a look at Dunn’s life from his early years in Ohio and feature interviews with Johnny Knoxville, Rob Dyrdek, Wee Man, Chris Pontius, Jeff Tremaine and Bam Margera, among others.
Never-before-seen footage from Dunn’s days on “Viva LA Bam” and “Jackass” will also be shown.
Before the “Ryan Dunn Tribute Special” – which is executive produced by Tremaine, Knoxville, Spike Jonze and Derek Freda – MTV will air a new episode of “Ridiculousness,” which guest stars Dunn in one of his final TV appearances.
The ‘Wait’ is over
NPR’s “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me” is coming to TV.
The comedic radio quiz show will debut on BBC America with a year-in-review special Dec. 23. Host Peter Sagal, scorekeeper Carl Kasell and a panel including Paula Poundstone and Alonzo Bodden will discuss 2011’s biggest events.
Now in its 14th season, the show draws 3.2 million listeners weekly on 595 NPR member public radio stations.
BBC Worldwide Americas General Manager Perry Simon calls the TV debut “long overdue.”