Here at Screen Africa we like to see freedom of expression and when the History Channel abruptly dumped The Kennedys series on 7 January after pressure from the Kennedy family and associates, it indicated that the channel was far from immune to political influence.
At the time, History owner A&E Television Networks told The Hollywood Reporter (THR) that “after viewing the final product in its totality, we have concluded this dramatic interpretation is not a fit for the History brand.”
According to a special THR report online, the controversial miniseries will now have its world premiere on the ReelzChannel on 3 April.
“Producers of the ambitious project from 24 executive producer Joel Surnow and writer Stephen Kronish have struck a deal with the independent, family-owned cable network to air the 8-part miniseires”, writes THR.
ReelzChannel, is a 4-year old independent cable channel owned by Minnesota-based Hubbard Communications that is available in 60 million homes nationwide on services including DirecTV, Dish Network, AT&T, Time Warner Cable, Comcast and Charter Communications.
The lavish $30 million miniseries stars Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes and is produced by Asylum Entertainment and Muse Entertainment.
ReelzChannel CEO Stan Hubbard said he pounced on the opportunity to pick up the project.
“One of the benefits of being an independent network is that you can be an independent voice and you don’t have to worry about corporate pressure or political pressure,” Hubbard told THR. “This is a project that deserves to be seen.”
Muse and Asylum said in a joint statement: “The producers of The Kennedys welcome the news that American audiences will have the opportunity to view our highly anticipated series.
"In creating the dramatization of the Kennedy family story, which involved compressing time lines and creating dialogues, we meticulously researched all story and visual points and made sure they were supported by multiple respected and objective sources. We accurately and authentically recreated each of the events that occurred. Anyone who watches the show will agree that the Kennedy family emerges from our treatment as a legendary American Family, who made an enormous contribution to the world and to their country, but were beset by epic tragedies," the statement concluded.
