Programmer's Page with Chad Heiges and Seth Arenstein

Big Jump for Lil’ Bush An impish, pint-sized George W. Bush that attends the fictitious Quayle Lmntary will ride a new school bus next summer, when Amp’d Mobile’s original animated short "Lil’ Bush: Resident of the United States" hits Comedy Central’s linear lineup. The comedy net picked up 6 30-min eps—each comprised of 2 separate storylines—that will also feature a nerdy Lil’ Condi, a goofy Lil’ Rummy and an unintelligible Lil’ Cheney who mumbles ‘phrases’ that only Lil’ Bush seems to understand. "It took me about 2 seconds to realize that there was so much there, that it could make a great TV series," said Comedy Central evp, original programming and development Lauren Corrao. "It’s part family comedy, part political satire, and its irreverent writing will work well on our net." The series gels nicely with Corrao’s daily search for content that invites description by 1 or more of the following adjectives: intelligent, provocative, surprising and original. And like many other cable nets, that content at Comedy Central is increasing for and from digital platforms. The net has already produced roughly 10 original series across digital platforms, including "Baxter & McGuire," a short starring 2 animated testicles. Such digital content and delivery is changing the TV industry today much like cable TV altered the industry 20-25 years ago, Corrao said. Amp’d Mobile svp, content development and programming Seth Cummings is no less bullish about digital content. "Lil’ Bush" was part of the carrier’s mission to "create HBO-type original content for mobile" instead of the traditional video clips, he said. Amp’d has already deployed 10 such series shorts, and has 12 more in development. Cummings also said that an Amp’d cable VOD service is under consideration. CH Highlights "Sleeper Cell," Sun, 9pm, Showtime. With the terrorist cell’s defeat, its ruthless leader, a brilliant Oded Fehr, has less influence on the storyline this season. Still, the tension and complexities are excellent. – "George Clooney: American Cinematheque Tribute," Wed, 8pm, AMC. Tribute? It’s a roast that you feel part of—like being at a Hollywood party. – "The Lost Room," Mon, 9pm, SciFi. A 3-parter and an acquired taste, reminiscent of "Twin Peaks" and "Carnivale," so hang in there. – "One Punk Under God," Wed, 9pm, Sundance. Jim and Tammy Faye’s punk-preacher son wrestles with their legacy and church traditions. SA Worth a Look "Tsunami, The Aftermath," begins Sun, 8pm, HBO. Sensitively told 2-parter about fictional characters dealing with the tragedy’s results. — "Taking the Hill," Tues, 9pm, Discovery Times. Step-by-step process film eyes military vets and Dems, some wounded, making grassroots bids for House seats. – "Chuck Barris Story," Sun, 8pm, GSN. Well-done review of "The Dating Game" creator’s unusual life. A CIA assassin? – "Dirty Dancing," Wed, 10pm, WE. Muscled male hoofers pick a lucky lady to be their dance partner. Does Kim Martin know her viewers or what? – "Hunter S. Thompson on Film," Tues, 10pm, Starz. More ambitious than its title, but good intro to an icon. – "Wedding Wars," Mon, 9pm, A&E. Oh, I get it, John Stamos playing a gay man. Very cool. SA