Canwest grabs NBC shows ahead of screenings

Canada’s Canwest has picked up several new shows from NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution and renewed several others ahead of this month’s LA Screenings.

Canwest, which owns the Global network and runs E! as a joint venture with Comcast, has taken several new shows including the contemporary version of the classic Knight Rider series.

NBC said the deal was unprecedented, coming as it did, ahead of the LA Screenings, where the studios have previously showcased their new series to buyers for the first time.

As well as Knight Rider, Canwest has picked up Christian Slater drama My own Worst Enemy, comedy series Kath and Kim and the upcoming spin-off of The Office.

It has renewed deals for House; Heroes; The Office; The Biggest Loser; Life; and Friday Night Lights.

The writers’ strike cast doubt over whether there would be an LA Screenings this year, but following its resolution in February, the event is going ahead, albeit in a pared down version.