Spike TV Falls on FX’s Shield

Spike TV acquired the off-network cable-distribution rights to FX’s The Shield from Sony Pictures Television, the network said Monday.

MTV Networks’ men’s-targeted service will begin airing the crime/drama series one night per week in March.

“We’re aggressively seeking out quality programming that will complement our male-branded strategy,” Spike TV senior vice president of programming Robert Friedman said in a prepared statement.

“The Shield has tremendous audience appeal and is one of the most-talked-about series on cable,” he added. “We're excited to offer the show to a whole new audience on Spike TV.”