Q: Could you tell me if "Cold Justice" is going to return soon? If not, what happened to it?
A: The crime investigation docudrama, which originally ran on TNT, will return — but in a new location. Oxygen is revamping itself as "a crime destination network for women" beginning in summer 2017, and its lineup will add new installments of "Cold Justice" in the fall.
Oxygen has been moving more into crime programming, including a "Crime Time" weekend block of programs, now part of the lineup Friday through Monday.
"The recent expansion of our 'Crime Time' weekend block has enjoyed double-digit gains and has really resonated with our female audience," said a statement from Frances Berwick, president, Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. (Yes, that is the full title.)
Other programs in the new Oxygen include "Three Days to Live," which "delves into the crucial days immediately following a harrowing abduction with vivid, visceral re-creations and compelling firsthand interviews from authorities and loved ones." It starts March 5. And coming in the fall is "The Jury Speaks," a "self-contained, true-crime series that re-examines some of the most high-profile and controversial cases through the eyes of the original jury."
Reality shows bite
Q: Don't the actors and writers unions complain about "reality" shows featuring amateurs? It seems as if they're losing a lot of jobs.
A: Oh, yes. There have been concerns about reality shows affecting jobs — and working conditions — going back more than a decade. In 2004, for example, the Screen Actors Guild (now SAG-AFTRA) said employment statistics indicated that "actors are bearing the brunt of today's trend toward more reality programming." The Writers Guild of America has also felt the pinch, and has long battled for union representation of the writers on reality shows.
Reaching the 'Breaking Pointe'
Q: I enjoyed "Breaking Pointe" Season 1 on Netflix. Will there be a Season 2?