The drama behind the scenes of MTV’s white-hot reality comedy “The Osbournes” is starting to get almost as interesting as the show itself.
America’s new favorite first family of television has signed with the Endeavor talent agency to help it explore a new deal for a possible second season of the show. While MTV has the production rights to future seasons, the music cablenetwork hasn’t locked up the services of the boisterous clan.
While neither side is talking, industry insiders said the Osbournes are seeking a second season fee in the high seven figures – and perhaps even more, if you throw in potential ancillary revenue linked to the show. It’s a huge leap: the family was paid in the low seven figures for the show’s first season; that deal was put together by CAA, which still represents paterfamilias Ozzy Osbourne the rocker.
It’s no surprise the Osbournes, who are on the covers of both Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone this week, are seeking more coin: their show has turned into a monster hit for MTV.
Last week’s episode, seen by more than 6 million viewers, snagged a 19 share among adults 18-34, beating everything else on cable and the major broadcast networks. (Each share point equates to the percentage of viewers watching TV during the time slot involved.) If “The Osbournes” maintains that rating, it’s possible the show could end up among the season’s top 10 series with adults 18-34 – even counting fare on the Big Six.
The boffo ratings will no doubt translate into a major ad windfall for MTV. The network has also seen a Nielsen spike for veteran reality series “The Real World,” which leads into “The Osbournes” on Tuesday nights.
