Comedy Central has acquired the off-network syndication rights to NBC's "30 Rock" and will begin running it in 2011. It will share the cable window of the series with WGN America for a combined
license fee estimated at $800,000 an episode, surpassing cable sales of other comedy hits.
NBC's other Emmy-winning Thursday comedy, "The Office" was sold to TBS in 2007 for about
$750,000 per episode as well as in broadcast syndication. A broadcast syndication deal for "30 Rock" is pending.
"30 Rock is a perfect DNA match for our viewers," says Comedy Central's
David Bernath, who, influenced by "30 Rock's" Jack Donaghy, lists his title as senior vice president program strategy and microwave programming. Meanwhile, WGN, has been stocking up on comedies. It
adds "30 Rock" to its other recent acquisitions: "Entourage," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Scrubs."
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