CBS Aims for Kids with Deal for Hilary Duff Pilot

[MrRant 0]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS is going young -- really young. The network just signed a comedy pilot deal with Hilary Duff (news), the 16-year-old "Lizzie McGuire" star.

 

 

 

The network will develop a starring vehicle for Duff for the 2004-05 season, most likely a domestic comedy a la "Family Ties."

 

 

The teenager's mother, Susan Duff, will executive produce the project. While the deal doesn't guarantee that a pilot will be shot, CBS will pay a substantial penalty if it isn't, sources said. Terms were not disclosed.

 

 

Duff, who rocketed to fame on Disney Channel's hit "Lizzie McGuire" series and the subsequent Disney feature "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," was the focus of determined bidding among several networks, believed to include NBC and Fox.

 

 

But CBS, which has long been the oldest-skewing network, viewed signing Duff as an opportunity to make further inroads among younger viewers, who have turned out in surprisingly large numbers for the freshman drama "Joan of Arcadia," which stars 20-year-old Amber Tamblyn.

 

 

While no writers are yet attached, CBS is looking to develop a series that will connect with adults as well as kids, broadening Duff's appeal beyond her core preteen and teen audience.

 

 

CBS confirmed the deal but declined to discuss details.

 

 

The TV future of Duff has been a hot topic since "Lizzie McGuire" concluded production in July 2002. Disney Channel produced a total of 65 episodes, three of which have yet to air. Duff and her representatives had a public falling-out with Disney after the two sides could not come to terms over a proposed sequel to "The Lizzie McGuire Movie."

 

 

Later this month, Duff starts a national concert tour on behalf of her solo debut album, "Metamorphosis," which has shipped 2 million copies. Her film credits include "Agent Cody Banks," 20th Century Fox's upcoming "Cheaper by the Dozen" and a starring role in Warner Bros. Pictures' summer 2004 offering "A Cinderella Story."

 

So instead of being the channel for old people it will become the channel for old people and teenyboppers.

 

Great.

[Mole 0]

I might watch because well, Duff is hot.

[Guest subliminal_animal]

So instead of being the channel for old people it will become the channel for old people and teenyboppers.

 

Great.

Damn?

 

I might watch because well, Duff is hot.

I wish I was this awesome.

[Vyce 0]

I'll probably watch this.

 

You know why.

 

Same reason I watched "Lizzy McGuire".

[Slayer 0]

So instead of being the channel for old people it will become the channel for old people and teenyboppers.

That'll be a nice contrast there

 

<cues up the "Kids vs. Adults" song from The Simpsons>