ION Television Signs Deal for New Original Series, “Private Eyes,” From Entertainment One

ION Television today announced its newest partnership with global independent studio Entertainment One (eOne), signing an agreement for the original series, “Private Eyes,” starring Jason Priestley. The deal makes ION the exclusive U.S. television home for current and future seasons of the drama series – the latest in a string of successful originals to join the network from eOne.

Starring Jason Priestley and Cindy Sampson

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57e9326b-e364-4ec6-a847-820ba2f9689c.

“Private Eyes” follows ex-pro hockey player Matt Shade (Priestley), who irrevocably changes his life when he decides to team up with fierce P.I. Angie Everett (Cindy Sampson) to form an unlikely investigative powerhouse. Through their new partnership, Shade is forced to examine who he has become and who he wants to be while investigating high-stakes crimes.

“We are thrilled to continue what has become a very fruitful relationship with eOne by bringing our audience this exciting new original program,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “The success we’ve achieved with our current original roster is a testament to the network’s steady approach to original series production, and we look forward to building on those achievements going forward.”

“We are delighted that ION will be the U.S. home to ‘Private Eyes.’ The series has been a ratings success internationally, achieving record-setting numbers when it debuted in the UK, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Belgium,” said John Morayniss, CEO, eOne Television. “It’s exciting to continue our successful relationship with Brandon and the whole ION team with another standout series.”

The new drama series is the latest addition to the network’s lineup of scripted original program offerings, including eOne’s “Saving Hope,” as well as “The Listener” and a robust catalog of made-for-TV holiday movies. The series also joins ION Television’s acclaimed library of hit programming, including “Criminal Minds,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “Blue Bloods.”

Created by Shelley Eriksen and Tim Kilby, “Private Eyes” is produced by eOne in association with Corus Entertainment, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit and COGECO Program Development Fund. The series is executive produced by John Morayniss and Tecca Crosby for eOne, Shawn Piller and Lloyd Segan for Piller/Segan, Jason Priestley, Alan McCullough, James Thorpe and Tassie Cameron. McCullough and Piller are also showrunners.

About ION Television ION Television, a top ten-ranked U.S. general entertainment network, is the flagship of the independent, privately held media company, ION Media Networks. Launched in 2007, ION Television features a “Positively Entertaining” schedule of proven, award-winning programs, quality original series and popular holiday movies available on multiple platforms via its state-of-the-art distribution system. As owner of the nation’s largest broadcast station group, ION Media Networks’ 60 full-power stations reach 98 million homes, including in 24 of the top 25 markets. For more information, visit http://www.iontelevision.com/.

About Entertainment OneEntertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company’s diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world. Entertainment One’s robust network includes film and television studio The Mark Gordon Company; content creation venture Amblin Partners with Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, and Reliance Entertainment; leading feature film production and global sales company Sierra Pictures; unscripted television production company Renegade 83; world-class music labels Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang; and award-winning digital agency Secret Location.

The Company’s rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 100,000 hours of film and television content and approximately 40,000 music tracks.

Contact:
Chris Addeo
ION Media Networks
561.682.4210
[e-mail]