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Mini-Series Make a Major Comeback

© F. Colin Kingston

Thanks to the high ratings of such programs as JOAN OF ARC and MERLIN, the mini-series is making a comeback on network television. All of the major broadcast networks have mini-series planned for next season. Here is a brief look at what is in the works:

ABC:

ABC has three major mini-series planned for the 1999-2000 season. Two, THE BEACH BOYS and THE SUPREMES, are based on music super groups of the 60s and 70s. The executive producer of THE SURPREMES is Diana Ross.

The third, EMPIRE OF CRIME, is slated to be a six-hour program that tells the story of a New York mob boss. No doubt this was somewhat inspired by the success of THE SOPRANOS, the highly successful HBO series.

CBS

CBS has announced plans for five mini-series in the upcoming season: JESUS; PERFECT MURDER, PERFECT TOWN; SALLY HENNINGS; SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY and AFTERSHOCK: EARTHQUAKE IN NEW YORK.

JESUS is scheduled for four hours and stars Jeremy Sisto and Gary Oldman. AFTERSHOCK features Tom Skerritt, Cisely Tyson and Sharon Lawarence. AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY is a story about the life of Linda McCartney (aka Mrs. Paul McCartney).

SALLY HENNINGS is liable to spark some controversy as it is based on the story of the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and one of his slaves, Sally Hennings. Genetic testing has recently concluded that Jefferson fathered at least one child with Hennings.

FOX

Mini-series have proven so popular that even FOX is getting into the swing of things. Among the mini-series they have planned are MARS; KISS, KISS, BANG, BANG; SOLE SURVIVOR and A PEOPLE¹S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

These programs are attracting top talent. A PEOPLE¹S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES is being produced by famed actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. MARS is a five hour program which is based on the red planet. It is being produced by James Cameron (TITANIC). SOLE SURVIVOR is written by noted horror novelist Dean Koontz.

NBC

NBC, which has enjoyed the most success with mini-series in recent years, has several in store. This includes: THE 10TH KINGDOM; LEPRECHAUNS; JASON AND THE ARONAUTS; and THE 70S.

THE 70S is a sequel to the popular 60S mini-series which aired this season. THE 10TH KINGDOM tells the story of 15 different fairy tales.

JUST ONE MORE THINGŠABC has also ordered two additional two-hour episodes of COLUMBO. The detective series, starring Peter Falk, is my favorite television mystery series of all time.

THIS WEEK IN TV HISTORY:TONY ORLANDO AND DAWN premieres on the CBS television network on July 3, 1974. The trio was a popular singing group whose most popular song was TIE A YELLOW RIBBON. The series began as a summer replacement series for THE SONNY AND CHER SHOW. In 1976 the series was renamed TONY ORLANDO AND DAWN RAINBOW HOUR. George Carlin was one of the regulars that season.

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