Good news! Damages has been saved from cancellation and there will be a fourth and fifth seasons. Unfortunately, not all of the show’s fans will be able to see the new episodes.
Damages revolves around Patty Hewes (Glenn Close), a tough New York attorney. She takes on tough cases and will do just about anything to make sure her clients come out on top. Prominent castmembers have included Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan, Ted Danson, Zeljko Ivanek, Noah Bean, Anastasia Griffith, and Philip Bosco.
The FX series has been declining in the ratings for some time and the third season finale only drew 925,000 viewers. The cable channel said that they couldn’t afford to keep broadcasting the show based on those numbers. They also said they’d be open to some sort of partnership deal if Sony could find another buyer (ala the shared airings of Friday Night Lights between NBC and DirecTV).
DirecTV has come to the show’s rescue but is financing new episodes for exclusive airings, in a similar vein to the deal they made for Passions a couple years back. This means that viewers who don’t have DirecTV won’t be able to see the episodes.
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“FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but, in order to have a future, the show needed DirecTV and we are thrilled they stepped in,” said John Landgraf, President & General Manager, FX Networks. “Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons.”
Under the exclusive deal, DirecTV has ordered 20 new episodes of Damages that will play out over the course of two seasons. They’ll air on DirecTV’s exclusive 101 channel in 2011 and 2012. The satellite provider has also acquired the rights to rerun the first three seasons of Damages.
For those without DirecTV, the episodes will surely be released on DVD at some point.
What do you think? Are you glad to hear that Damages has been saved? If you don’t already subscribe, would this news make you consider ordering DirecTV?
Image courtesy FX.
I loved Damages, but being held hostage to Directv is something I can’t do, so I will lose one of my favorite shows by being a “cable tv viewer”. What a shame to segregate the show from people who would watch. So long Patty, wish you were here.
This really disappoints me. Damages was the only show I looked forward to watching every week. No, I will not get direct tv. This was one of the only good shows on tv. I’m too through. I don’t like the way business is going like this, like only being able to buy a music CD at Wallmart. Won’t go for it. Done.
I LOVED DAMAGES, WATCH EVERY SHOW, LIKE OTHERS DISAPPOINTED ITS ON DIRECT TV, I DONT HAVE DIRECT TV AND NOT CHANGING. HOPEFULLY IT WILL GET PICKED UP BY ANOTHER NETWORK.
I am happy their bringing back damages too but I too do not have directv and this is disappointing to hear that its only exclusively with them, well there goes even more ratings being that everyone does not have directv, I have cablevision and am not switching.
Very upset Damages is go on Direct TV :((( Was looling forward to the new seasons!! Disappointed!!!
I am perplexed that FOX would not renew DAMAGES, and the Direct TV Deal is
warped to elicit membership. I do not suscribe and will not. I have FIOS and it is
fine. Why do we have so much “junk” including REALITY SHOWS….and dump
excellent entertainment as this. Very Disappointed with FOX !
My husband and I love Damages. We finally found a show that made you think, was intriquing and has superb actors! Yea, we were so excited to watch each episode. We used to have Direct TV and not even this show would entice us to switch back. Bad experience with Direct TV and now this “exclusive for Direct TV subscribers only” contract. Thank goodness for DVD’s!
Damages is one of the most creative and dramatic series on tv. I’m curious what the Direct TV population is that will actually tune in. I think SONY has a responsibility for partnering with another cable network so those of us who don’t have Direct TV, nor are willing to invest in it – can continue to enjoy the show.
I really like Damages. I don’t have Direct TV so I will wait for the DVD or have a friend DVR it for me.
i love this show and i have watched since day 1. i don’t have directtv and i won’t be getting it. i am very disappointed to hear this as, yet another, well written/smart show falls off the map. too bad the mindless junk that makes up 97% of shows on network tv can’t go there instead. it is proven over and over that tv executives think only 13 year olds watch tv.
Happy Damages will return, but unfortunately I won’t be able to see it. No Direct TV. Boo Hiss Bummer.
I love Damages however I do not have Direct TV and I think it sucks that Direct TV would pull a stunt like this to increase membership. I have Dish Network and have it for many years and will not switch. I guess I will have to watch season 4 and 5 when it comes out on DVD.
Love this show! Smart, intriguing, with an outstanding cast! Glad to hear it’s been saved.
Alas, I don’t get DirecTV, and will have to wait for the DVD.
I was so happy to see that Damages would be back but then you had to ruin it by telling me I couldn’t see it on Dish. Very sorry to hear that.
One of my favorite shows, but honestly a little skeptical. The end of season 3 wrapped things up so nicely — the show felt very complete. Season 1 was amazing, Season 2 was very good, and Season 3 was good but getting a tiny bit stale. I’m worried that if they keep moving forward with the show, it’s going to start losing its edge. So far the writers have done a great job, but they certainly have their work cut out for them keeping the show fresh and amazing.