Complete Coverage: TCA Winter Press Tour 2014
Pasadena – Starz will look to offer 65 to 75 hours of original programming by 2015, putting the pay TV service on the same field as competitors HBO and Showtime, according to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.
Albrecht, speaking Friday at Starz’ Television Critics Association winter tour session, said the network will feature four scripted series in 2014, beginning with the Jan. 25 debut of drama Black Sails. The network also said it will premiere the sophomore season of Da Vinci’s Demons on March 22 and Outlander in summer 2014.
Albrecht said the network’s original shows represent nearly half of the top 100 most watched titles in Starz’ homes, despite making up only 5% of the network’s overall schedule.
“The Starz brand is one that is evolving, and that’s part of the fun,” Albrecht said.
Albrecht said that the network is considering a sequel to its successful mini-series The White Queen, but it would happen without the BBC, which co-produced the original series with Starz. He also said the network’s decision to renew Black Sails for a second season prior to the show’s season one premiere was shaped in part by positive audience reaction to the series at last summer’s Comic-Con in San Diego.
