Programming

Outdoor Channel has begun broadcasting Outdoor Channel 2 HD’s high def test signal. The net launches July ’05. — HDNet exclusively presents the Historically Black Colleges and Universities All-Star Classic football game in high def Mon (4:30pm ET pregame; 5pm kickoff). — WE renewed drama series "McLeod’s Daughters" for a 2nd season, citing positive viewer/critic response. Season 2 premieres Mar 19, just days after Season 1’s Mar 5 finale. — ABC Family ordered 6 eps of documentary series "Looks of Love," about L.A.’s Looks of Love Hair Salon (premieres June). — FX extended its deal with "Nip/Tuck" for at least 2 more seasons and will introduce a new drama later this year. Season 3 of the plastic surgery series hits the table in late summer or early fall. Details about the proposed drama are sketchy, but the net said it will choose between a Stephen Bochco project and the Andre Braugher vehicle "Thief." A pair of half-hour comedies are also in the works. — Showtime greenlighted 3 series: "The Cell" (an FBI agent infiltrates a terrorist cell in L.A.), "Brotherhood" (2 brothers on opposite sides of the law) and "Barbershop," from the movie of the same name. All the series will be shot in the US, Showtime says. In addition, "The L Word" (season 2 premieres Feb 20, 10pm) was renewed for a 3rd season. Another series will be greenlit for 2006, Showtime’s Bob Greenblatt said. Praising VOD, Showtime’s Matt Blank said 4mln Showtime subs have Showtime On Demand.