TNT Lands Off-Network Rights to NBC’s ‘Grimm’

NBCUniversal and TNT have made a pact to give Grimm an early off-net run on the cable network, with exclusive cable airings set for early 2015. 

The Universal Television and Hazy Mills Productions drama, a fantasy twist on the classic procedural, has been a been a boon to NBC’s Friday night schedule — and even bigger on DVR. The last season averaged a 2.5 rating with adults 18-49 and 8.2 million viewers once live-plus-seven-day ratings were tallied.

“Grimm puts a fresh spin on the traditional crime procedural with an otherworldly premise and compelling storytelling that appeal to young adults,” said Turner Broadcasting senior vp and head of program acquisitions, content strategy and licensing Deborah K. Bradley. “Grimm will be a great addition to TNT’s lineup as the network continues to expand its reach with high-quality genre programming.”

The series certainly fits in with TNT’s current originals push. The success of genre series The Last Ship and Falling Skies has prompted a push for popcorn fare at the cable network — though with head of programming Michael Wright recently departing, and no replacement on deck, the creative direction of the network isn’t exactly set in stone. 

The fourth season of Grimm, launching on Oct. 24 on NBC, will also get a speedy afterlife on TNT. The entire run is set to join the first three seasons in their off-net airings in fall 2015.

“We are thrilled that TNT will bring Grimm‘s clever writing and creative storytelling to its audience,” said NBCUniversal TV and New Media Distribution exec vp Bruce Casino, “continuing our strong content relationship with Turner Entertainment Networks.”