Damages: fourth and fifth season!

It was cancelled by FX at the conclusion of its third season, but DirecTV have agreed a deal with Sony Pictures Television to finance a fourth and fifth season of Damages, each comprising 10 episodes. The legal drama, starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, will return on DirecTV's 101 network next year.


Patty Ishimoto, General Manager of The 101 Network & Vice President for DirecTV:

"We're excited to partner with Sony Pictures Television as we breathe new life into this outstanding drama. It’s a win for our customers because only they will be able to see these new episodes and another great step forward for DirecTV as we continue to build our growing portfolio of exclusive, award-winning programming."

DirecTV similarly saved Friday Night Lights in this manner, but while that show gets a quick repeat on NBC, Damages will air exclusively on DirecTV (denying the show to a lot of its US audience). DirecTV have also acquired the rights to broadcast Damages' existing three seasons.

John Langraf, President & General Manager of FX Networks:

"FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but in order to have a future, the show needed DirecTV and we are thrilled they stepped in... Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons."

How will this change of channel affect the show? Will the budget be cut in any noticeable way? Will the show's stellar casting take a knock, given the smaller platform of DirecTV? Whatever happens, I'm glad Damages is coming back. If only because it's one of the few shows with strong women in the lead roles.