NEW YORK, NY: (January 27, 2003) Showtime Networks Inc. has acquired the series MADISON for its generation "Y" multiplex channel SHO NEXT. The series is a sensitive drama that follows a group of teens through high school and beyond, and is slated to bow in February 2003.

 

The series adds to the plex's edgy, youth-oriented line-up which entertains a hip, on-the-go audience of 18-24-year-olds with irreverent animation, reality series, and interstitials that flow seamlessly with the programming.

 

From Oasis International, MADISON follows a group of high school students grappling with the trials of relationships, pregnancy, independence and the tough decisions that come with adulthood. The series has earned a "Best Direction" Gemini Award and a Canadian Writer's Guild "Top Ten" award. MADISON stars Joely Collins ("The Dinosaur Hunter," "Cold Squad"), Stacy Grant ("The Sea," "Undergrads"), Chris Martin ("Felicity," "Johnny"), Enuka Okuma ("Josie and the Pussycats," "Big Sound"), William Sasso ("Best in Show," "Drop Dead Gorgeous") and Peter Stebbings (the SHOWTIME Original Series JEREMIAH, "The Hoop Life"). Directors for the 52 half-hour episodes include Gary Harvey, Michael Robinson, and James Head. Screenplays were written by Susin Nielson and Marylin Norry. The series was negotiated on behalf of Showtime Networks by Vice President of Acquisitions Gary Garfinkel and Manager of Acquisitions Valerie Watts Meraz. Negotiating on behalf of Oasis International were Peter Emerson and Valerie Cabrera.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME TOO, SHOWTIME SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME BEYOND, SHOWTIME NEXT, SHOWTIME WOMEN, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE and TMC xtra.  SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL, which is owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios.  SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SET (Showtime Event Television) Pay Per View.  Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME EXTREME is available in Spain through a joint venture with Media Park and the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.