Scripps Adds Inventory, Gets 'Loser,' 'Queer Eye'

NBC's Biggest LoserFor years, Scripps executives said they had an aversion to acquired programming, citing the benefits that come with producing and owning what they air. One reason was to establish a unique brand; another was the opportunity to easily repurpose content on the Web and sell it abroad. But recently, that philosophy has changed, albeit with less high-profile outlets than the flagship Food Network and HGTV.

On Wednesday, Scripps Networks Interactive said its Fine Living Network will begin airing syndicated versions of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" and Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

The move comes after Scripps moved aggressively into the Martha Stewart business last year, picking up reruns of the "Martha Stewart Show" for Fine Living and using clips from it for a series on its DIY network.

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Last month, Fine Living added a weekly series, "Whatever, Martha!," with Stewart's daughter and a co-host offering opinions about the lifestyle expert.

"The Biggest Loser" and "Queer Eye"--as well as the "Martha Stewart Show"--are from NBC Universal's syndication group, with which Scripps has a multiyear deal.

Episodes of "Biggest Loser" that air on NBC this fall will re-air on Fine Living on the following Saturday and Sunday nights at 9 p.m. "Queer Eye" will air Mondays at 9 beginning in October. Fine Living has rights to all 99 episodes of that series, which is no longer on Bravo.

Fine Living, in 50 million homes, is no doubt looking for syndicated fare to draw in viewers quickly and expose them to its homegrown series.

Where the two new additions fit within the Fine Living brand may be up for debate. The network says its programming covers four areas: home living (a sweet spot for Stewart); guidance on how to buy things at the best prices; "Life's Adventures," "for those people who aspire to get the most out of life"; and "Day Dreaming," "which appeals to those dreaming of luxury, adventure, thrills and escape."

Fine Living's general manager Chad Youngblood said "these two significant franchises ... continue our quest to move our channel into the top tier of all lifestyle television networks."

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