FX is picking up the huge back-90 order for “Anger Management,” putting star Charlie Sheen in a position for what could turn out to be an even bigger payday than he had in store had he survived on the CBS hit “Two and a Half Men.”
The cable network committed early in the process to picking up an additional 90 episodes provided that episodes 2 through 10 met a certain ratings threshold. Deadline.com notes that the premiere, which aired June 28, turned out to be the most-watched scripted prime-time comedy series premiere in cable history.
FX says the series is the highest-rated new comedy series on cable this year, averaging 4.53 million total viewers (cumed) and 2.5 million in the key 18-49 demo, Deadline notes.
TMZ.com adds that Sheen’s arrangement for the show — in which he receives a generous cut of the profits — could push his cut north of $100 million.
TMZ adds: “What’s interesting … the deal was structured so Charlie will be working non-stop for the next 2 years, and Network suits wanted it that way so Charlie didn’t have a lot of free time to get into trouble.”
Chuck Saftler, EVP of FX Networks, quoted in the Deadline piece, says: “We set a very high ratings bar that included some additional hurdles for ‘Anger Management’ to earn its back-90 order and the series met and exceeded those metrics. [Creator and executive producer] Bruce Helford has created a sitcom that works extremely well in our pre-10 p.m. programming lineup. Charlie Sheen and the entire cast did an amazing job in the first ten episodes, which were produced in a very tight window. I have no doubt that the producers and cast will be able to pull off the Herculean task of producing 90 episodes over the next two years.”
Deadline adds: “Sheen’s father, Martin Sheen will join the cast of ‘Anger Management’ in a recurring role for the back 90 episodes, playing Martin Goodson, Charlie’s father.”
Lionsgate, the producer of “Anger Management,” and its subsidiary Debmar-Mercury are reportedly preparing to shop the series to stations for a fall 2014 syndication rollout.
Good for Charlie! This should put Lorre in his place for good. Show has improved each episode…Sienna is brilliant as well. Enjoying the show even though the laughs aren’t at the level of 2-1/2. Get Eddie Goredetsky to write for Anger…
Yes, with Two and a Half Men continuing on CBS, Big Bang Theory doing better than ever, a big hit in Mike and Molly and a new deal for theatrical films, this certainly does show Lorre… something.
Like he can be wildly successful without having to deal with Sheen’s diva-like antics; Sheen’s FX’s problem now and meanwhile Lorre’s income hasn’t dropped a dime.
Seems win-win for Lorre…