DirecTV votes down 'The Kennedys' as producers struggle to sell miniseries
Finding a safe haven for "The Kennedys" is proving much tougher than many had imagined.
Word came late Friday that DirecTV was the latest outlet to pass on the four-hour miniseries that examines the rise of President Kennedy (Greg Kinnear) and his controversial family.
That's bad news for the producers, who had hoped that the satellite TV provider would offer a last-minute rescue for a $30-million project that has already been rejected by Starz, Showtime, FX and other outlets.
The travails for "The Kennedys" started earlier this month, after word leaked that cable network History had given the thumbs-down to the project over concerns about accuracy. Family members, including Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver, are also said to have strongly objected to the program in contacts with corporate bosses overseeing the cable network.
The producers' next move is unclear. But they insist that "The Kennedys" will still air in Canada no matter its fate in the U.S.
-- Scott Collins
Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT
Photo: Greg Kinnear, center, leads the cast of "The Kennedys." Credit: Muse Entertainment
It's so comforting to know that we live in a free society where we are able to successfully suppress programing that dares to tarnish the good name of a family that has done so much selfless service for this great nation.
Posted by: Barrie Milton | January 21, 2011 at 06:31 PM
the kennedys have probably already put the word out they dont want it on american tv
katie holmes is bummed the series isnt doing very well i read. what the heck she got paid thats what matters
Posted by: Them Doggies | January 21, 2011 at 10:54 PM
I have no idea if this is going to be any good or not, let alone accurate. (Personally, I find it hard to believe that a Hollywood biopic might make stuff up.*) Fortunately, as a Canadian, I'll get to decide for myself about its worth. Too bad people in the 'states won't.
*-Attempt at humour.
Posted by: Bruce B | January 22, 2011 at 12:21 AM