Spike becomes Paramount Network and launches ‘Waco’ series
said, noting that “Lip Sync Battle,” “Bar Rescue” and “Bellator” will survive the transition.
Whereas Spike TV skewed heavily male, especially in its early years, Mr. Kay said the goal is for Paramount Network to appeal 50/50 to men and women ages 18-49. He said part of the reason for leading with “Waco” is because it’s a broad show that should pull in Spike viewers, but also appeal more broadly.
In “Heathers” (10 p.m. March 7), a dark comedy reimagining of the 1988 cult film, “good girl” Veronica Sawyer (Grace Victoria Cox) deals with a vicious new group of Heathers who this time are embodied by the traditionally marginalized: a black Heather, a gay Heather and a plus-size Heather. Shannen Doherty, who starred in the movie, has a recurring role.
Executive producer/ writer Jason Micallef said the ’80s movie was ahead of its time, which secured its cult status.
“It showed American society in a way that is truthful but that you don’t see that often, which I think is always one of the things that makes something stick.”
Alicia Sliverstone returns to screens in “American Woman” (10 p.m. June 7), a dramedy set in the 1970s amid the sexual revolution and rise of feminism that was inspired by the real-life upbringing of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards. Mena Suvari (”American Beauty”)co-stars.
Kevin Costner makes his ongoing TV series debut in “Yellowstone” (9 p.m. June 20), a drama written by Taylor Sheridan (”Sicario”) about a Montana ranching family squabbling with developers over land that abuts an Indian reservation and America’s firstnational park.
“I will move back and forth between feature films and television,” Mr. Costner said. “You dance with the prettiest girl, you go with the best script, and the best script was ‘Yellowstone.’”
Paramount Network will also be home to documentary films, including “I Am MLK Jr.” (8 p.m. April 2), a biography of Martin Luther King Jr. from filmmaker Derik Murray.
Former local broadcaster dies
Former KDKA-TV and WPXI-TV weathercaster C.S. Keys died Saturday at his home outside of San Diego following a call for “medical aid.” He was 54, and no cause of death was announced pendingan autopsy.