This morning we have some news about everyone’s favorite soap opera, the cancellation of another cable drama series, and a pirate show.
With all the popularity it has so enjoyed so far — both in the U.S. and U.K. — it should come as no surprise that “Downton Abbey” has been renewed for a fourth season/series by ITV. The fourth season will land on U.K. airwaves next fall, and as per usual, the U.S. airing will be delayed to early 2014. To those who haven't found other means to watch the episodes already, season 3 premieres on PBS in the U.S. on January 6th, but if you’re itching to get your whole fix, the entire season will hit Blu-Ray and DVD later that month on January 29th, a full three weeks before the season finale airs on U.S. TV. [Collider/Cinema Blend]
The Kelsey Grammer-starring cable drama series “Boss” has been cancelled by Starz and will not get a third season. The reason for the cancellation, as it nearly always is with television, was because of low viewership. As is custom with many cancelled series these days, preliminary discussions are being held on the possibility of doing a two-hour movie to finish the arc of Grammer’s Chicago Mayor Tom Kane. Could they entice Gus Van Sant, who helmed the pilot and is an executive producer, to come back to the director’s chair? [Deadline]
In what will probably its most expensive blunder yet, ailing network NBC is courting “House” star Hugh Laurie to lead its pirate action-adventure series “Crossbones” as the most famous pirate of them all, Blackbeard. “Luther” creator Neil Cross has written the pilot and will serve as an executive producer of the show, which is “set in 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the diabolical pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. Part shantytown, part marauder’s paradise, this is a place like no other on earth – and a mounting threat to international commerce.” So, “Deadwood” with more swashbuckling? In all seriousness, the premise could make for a good show, but with it airing on network television and specifically on NBC, which hasn’t been kind to ambitious shows with niche audiences, we’re betting against it. [Deadline]