Smallscreen News

'Damages' now a property for DirecTV, please grab 'Party Down' too

By April MacIntyre Jul 20, 2010, 3:57 GMT

02/24/2010 - Zac Posen and Rose Byrne - New York City, NY, USA © Wild1 / PR Photos

DirecTV 101 Network is a major player to compete with cablers, after today's news of the 'Damages' acquisition from FX has added another layer of cool to the satellite broadcaster.

Glenn Close and Rose Byrne are returning to their respective roles for the 'Damages' new seasons for the 101 Network

The Sony Pictures TV series ran for three seasons on FX.

DirecTV ordered two 10-episode seasons. The fourth season of "Damages" will run next summer on the 101, with the fifth season launching in summer 2012.

DirecTV dipped its toe in the original programming pond two years ago when it cut a deal with NBC for the drama, "Friday Night Lights," in exchange for the right to air the episodes months before the network.

"Damages" is different, and DirecTV will be the only spot for the show.

The series is now unfettered by restrictions on sex and language, and producers have taken notes from The 101 to up the volume in those areas.

DirecTV has brought "The Wire," 'Deadwood", "Trailer Park Boys," "Smith," and "The Nine" back to fans who missed these popular series.  Now if they could only bring "Party Down" back from Starz...

DirecTV will also have the rights to reruns from the first three "Damages" seasons.

FX is gearing up their fall season with the hotly anticipated returning drama "Sons of Anarchy" and newcomer "Terriers."