Seven Years Worth!

According to John Barrowman Starz have asked for 7 series worth of Torchwood. Could be interesting.

I have turned down a load of other shows to make Torchwood. We'll be filming it in LA as it's now a collaboration between the BBC and the Starz Network in America. They're planning to make it for the next seven years. So I'll be spending six months a year in Hollywood and six back in the UK.

It could indeed. Although if I'm not mistaken seven years is pretty much a standard contract in US TV these day - so whether the show actually stays on air that long remains to be seen.

But good news nontheless.

Sid Seadevil wrote:It could indeed. Although if I'm not mistaken seven years is pretty much a standard contract in US TV these day - so whether the show actually stays on air that long remains to be seen.

Yes and no. Seven years is the optimum period of time for a new television series to run in order to lure syndicators to pick it up for re-runs. Most networks only make annual decisions about the renewal of a series.

I'm kicking myself for making such a basic mistake. Especially when it was something I actually knew.

Don't get me wrong: the fact that RTD, JG and the Starz network have an ambition to make the show for seven years is great news. What would be even better is if it gets picked up every year for the next seven years.

Having said that, the fact that Starz is its own network certainly means the 7-year goal is a possibility.

Which is definitely something to hope for. It's certainly going to be interesting to see whether the Starz executives can resist meddling with the essential details of RTD's formula.

Although the fact that it isn't being produced for one of the big three networks does encourage the hope.

If the reports that Starz was particularly impressed with Children of Earth, it gives me confidence that they understand RTD's formula. CoE was easily the best series Torchwood did.

Well that's very reassuring. And yes, CoE was excellent.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Which is definitely something to hope for. It's certainly going to be interesting to see whether the Starz executives can resist meddling with the essential details of RTD's formula.

Although the fact that it isn't being produced for one of the big three networks does encourage the hope.

From what I can tell, Starz seem to be quite good at leaving producers alone to do their thing - I really doubt Spartacus: Blood and Sand would have been the way it was with execs constantly interfering.

(Some detail on that here, actually: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/bloody_hit_FwHWhXcsLRRvNwa46uZd5M#ixzz181RyG13v)

They're still quite new to producing original programming, and I think that means they're willing to let producers do their thing and see if it works rather than second-guess them. And as they've got a team with a track record of producing a good series (with a significant US audience already, IIRC) I doubt they'll be too worried.

Thanks for the additional info, both Patrick and Nick. It's much appreciated.

It also means that in four years or so, the kids from Sarah Jane can join Torchwood, with sexy results.

Rich Flair wrote:It also means that in four years or so, the kids from Sarah Jane can join Torchwood, with sexy results.

*cue sound of a bazillion repressed fans heads exploding*

Let's see how the reboot goes, and take it from there. I do hope that in style we stick to the COE path.

Agreed. I expect RTD and Dame Julie will ensure it turn out to be very much the same in style and tone to CoE...with slight differences.

Well, it's one big 10-part story, so it looks likely it'll be like CoE. Of course, I and millions of others will be boycotting it until we get definite confirmation that Ianto will be back.

*hands Rich a box of tissues*

Ianto's gone, Rich. Except it and move on. You know he would have wanted it that way too...

Rich Flair wrote:Well, it's one big 10-part story, so it looks likely it'll be like CoE. Of course, I and millions of others will be boycotting it until we get definite confirmation that Ianto will be back.

I find it highly amusing that certain sections of fandom appealed to Steven Moffat to bring Ianto back. What's The Moff going to be able to do? Fortunately, he said no.

Patrick wrote:I find it highly amusing that certain sections of fandom appealed to Steven Moffat to bring Ianto back. What's The Moff going to be able to do? Fortunately, he said no.

They really did that?

Although come to think of it, why should that news surprise me in the least?

Sid Seadevil wrote:

Patrick wrote:I find it highly amusing that certain sections of fandom appealed to Steven Moffat to bring Ianto back. What's The Moff going to be able to do? Fortunately, he said no.

They really did that?

Although come to think of it, why should that news surprise me in the least?

Our friend Keith "Telly" Topping blogged about it a few weeks ago. I just had to shake my head in disbelief and laugh at how seriously some fans took Ianto's shedding of his mortal coil.

Inexplicable and yet strangely predictable at the same time. You gotta' love certain sections of fandom for their sheer, wilful wackiness.

Don't forget all the abuse & threats James Moran got as he wrote the episode in question. He pulled out of our convention last year, and has kept a very low profile since.

Patrick wrote:Yes and no. Seven years is the optimum period of time for a new television series to run in order to lure syndicators to pick it up for re-runs.

I thought it was more about hitting the 100 episode mark, which often happens around season 5. Of course, there's been several exceptions to that "rule".

Patrick wrote:Having said that, the fact that Starz is its own network certainly means the 7-year goal is a possibility.

Yep. So long as it remains profitable, they can keep renewing it.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:Don't forget all the abuse & threats James Moran got as he wrote the episode in question. He pulled out of our convention last year, and has kept a very low profile since.

Dear heavens, there are some very....odd people out there. Makes be thankful I'm a Wrinkly.