The popular sitcom, “The Conners,” is expanding its reach with a new streaming and syndication deal. Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury have partnered with the ABC comedy’s producer, Werner Entertainment, to license the show. Lionsgate will handle streaming, including SVOD, AVOD, and FAST outlets, as well as basic cable distribution. Debmar-Mercury will take on broadcast syndication in the United States.
The deal covers the show’s existing five seasons, which includes a library of 93 episodes, and also includes rights to future seasons. ABC has already renewed “The Conners” for a sixth season, which will resume production once the writers and actors strikes are resolved.
Jim Packer, President of Worldwide Television Distribution at Lionsgate, expressed his pride in being selected to bring this incredible property to audiences around the world. He emphasized Lionsgate’s ability to combine its global distribution strength with Debmar-Mercury’s syndication expertise to support the series.
While the deal includes a streaming component, it is unique in that it follows a more traditional model of independently produced network sitcoms being sold to multiple outlets. In-season episodes of “The Conners” already stream on Hulu, but the show’s full catalog has yet to find a streaming or off-network home.
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Tom Werner, the producer at Werner Entertainment, expressed confidence in Lionsgate’s global reach and success across all platforms. He believes they will effectively bring “The Conners” to audiences worldwide.
The co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury, Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, also weighed in on the deal. They compared “The Conners” to successful, long-running multi-cam sitcoms and believe it will be a valuable addition to TV stations’ lineups. The show offers a proven competitive advantage to broadcasters for years to come. They praised Tom Werner and Marcy Carsey, along with their creative team, for their contribution to mega-comedies that have helped build the broadcast business in the U.S. Bernstein and Marcus expressed excitement about teaming up with Tom Werner and Jim Packer’s global distribution team for “The Conners.”
In summary, “The Conners” has secured a new streaming and syndication deal with Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury. This licensing agreement will enable the show to reach a wider audience through various platforms, including streaming services and cable networks. The deal covers the show’s existing seasons and future seasons. The producers and distributors involved are confident in the show’s appeal and the ability to bring it to audiences worldwide. This deal marks a return to the traditional model of sitcoms being sold to multiple outlets, allowing for maximum exposure and growth of the show.
