Programming

Word in Jan was that FX was to choose between the 2 original prime time dramas, but instead it’s green lighted both Iraq war drama "Over There" from Steven Bochco and Chris Gerolmo (13 episodes ordered, filming begins in CA next month and the Andre Braugher vehicle "Thief," about a sophisticated group of robbers led by Braugher (6 episodes ordered, early’06 debut, filming in New Orleans). It’s the 1st time the network’s ordered 2 drama series at once. — TBS acquired rights to ABC’s "According to Jim" for an undisclosed amount (the Hollywood trades have it at $250K-$300K/ep). It will roll out in ’09. — It just won’t seem like CNN without reports from financial editor Myron Kandel, who steps down from day-to-day duties after 25 years Mar 11. He’ll remain at CNN as a consultant and maintain an office at the Time Warner Center. — Lifetime continues its dust bunny jihad, renewing "How Clean is Your House?" for a 2nd season this fall. — YES Net formally announced signing broadcast legend Marv Albert, slotting him in as the NJ Nets play-by- play man (Cfax 2/09). Albert left MSG in June after Cablevision pres/CEO Jimmy Dolan blasted him for publicly riding the hapless Knicks. — Court TV began touting new reality show "Impossible Heists" yesterday with a contest where players can enter via text messaging (they can also register online at courttv.com). They need to answer 3 questions correctly and could win $10K for their efforts. Impossible Heists premieres Mar 15. — Biography Channel’s "Rebels Week" starts Mon (9pm ET, 10pme PT) with a profile of Hunter S. Thompson, including some of the gonzo journalist’s final on-camera interviews.