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In Depth

HBO Renews ‘True Blood’

HBO announced today it will renew its freshman series “True Blood” for a second season. Production of new episodes will begin early next year in Los Angeles, with the second season scheduled to debut next summer. “True Blood,” about vampires…

Fine Living Network Secures ‘Loser,’ ‘Queer Eye’ Repeats

Fine Living Network has made a multiyear deal with NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution to air “The Biggest Loser” and “Queer Eye.” The new season of ‘The Biggest Loser,” which premieres on NBC on Sept. 16, will air on Fine…

‘Diggnation’ Switches to Michelob

Online television network Revision3 inked an advertising deal with Michelob Brewing for Revision3’s signature Web series “Diggnation.” The six-week ad campaign is designed to promote the new Michelob Brewing Co. “beer portfolio.” The show’s hosts, Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht,…

Video: The Latest on ‘LonelyGirl15’

The latest installment in the iconic “LonelyGirl15” series premieres this weekend, and it’s looking a lot more like traditional TV. Check out this episode of the New Media Minute for details on how “LG15: The Resistance” is leaning on some…

Fox Wins Tuesday TV Ratings; ‘Fringe’ Soars

Fox captured the ratings crown Tuesday night, averaging a 5.3 rating/14 share in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic, thanks to the return of “House” and an invigorated “Fringe,” up two whole ratings points from its premiere last week. Here are…

Podcast: ‘Entourage’s’ Doug Ellin on Improvisation

TelevisionWeek’s Backlot Talk is back with its first effort of the fall season. As he did last season, Doug Ellin, the creator, showrunner and principal writer of “Entourage,” will share his insights about each episode of the series. Last Sunday…

Schedule Changes Impacted Product-Placement Numbers

The latest figures from the Nielsen Co. show that product placement was down 15% in the first half of the year. But a closer look behind the numbers indicates that advertiser demand for product integration—or the networks’ willingness to provide…

Meil Innovates at Initiative

Jason Meil could have been working at Lehman Brothers now. Mr. Meil started his career at the once-venerable investment bank that just collapsed, but he decided to indulge his more creative side, moving into the media business. Earlier this month,…

All in Coolio’s Family

There’s going to be an addition to the Oxygen family. The network plans to launch a reality series, “Coolio’s Rules,” on Oct. 28, featuring the platinum-selling rapper and his family. Coolio has four children—Artisha, 20, Brandi, 20, Artis, 18, and…

Starz Takes ‘Inside’ Look at Cross-Dressing

Director John Landis and producer Kevin Burns are collaborating on an original special on cross-dressing in film for Starz. “Starz Inside: Ladies or Gentlemen” is scheduled to premiere Dec. 16 on the pay cable channel. The special is inspired by…