Big Syndie Deals For 'Glee,' 'Modern Family'

The Oxygen network has acquired off-net rights to Fox musical hit "Glee," which will debut through a stunt on the female-targeted network in January. As part of the deal, Oxygen will also launch a reality-competition series to find the next "Glee" star.

The multiyear deal is between the NBC Universal channel and syndicator Twentieth Television. Twentieth also has a separate arrangement with an NBCU network, to bring ABC's "Modern Family" comedy to USA.

Both shows will become regulars on the respective networks' schedules -- through exclusive cable deals -- in 2013.

Oxygen said "Glee" will debut with a cable-staple marathon of episodes from season two -- the show is entering its third -- over a weekend in January. The reality series will debut in June on the heels of the third season's conclusion on Fox.

Twentieth executive Steve MacDonald referred to the syndication-plus-new series arrangement with Oxygen as a move that "extends" the brand with its loyal and growing audience.

Sources say the deals were negotiated directly with the cable networks, both of whom are NBCU-owned and soon to be Comcast-owned.

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