Anger Management, the sitcom starring Charlie Sheen and created by Executive Producer Bruce Helford, has received a 90-episode order from FX, it was announced today by Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President of FX Networks.
As part of its original deal, if Anger Management met a designated average ratings threshold over the airing of eight of the first ten episodes of the series, then it would trigger an automatic, additional 90-episode order from the network. Anger Management is the highest-rated new comedy series on cable in 2012, averaging 4.53 million Total Viewers and 2.5 million Adults 18-49.
As part of its original deal, if Anger Management met a designated average ratings threshold over the airing of eight of the first ten episodes of the series, then it would trigger an automatic, additional 90-episode order from the network. Anger Management is the highest-rated new comedy series on cable in 2012, averaging 4.53 million Total Viewers and 2.5 million Adults 18-49.
“We set a very high ratings bar that included some additional hurdles for Anger Management to earn its back-90 order and the series met and exceed those metrics,” said Saftler. “Bruce Helford has created a sitcom that works extremely well in our pre-10 p.m. programming lineup. Charlie Sheen and the entire cast did an amazing job in the first ten episodes, which were produced in a very tight window. I have no doubt that the producers and cast will be able to pull off the Herculean task of producing 90 episodes over the next two years.”
Anger Management marked Golden Globe® Award-winning actor Charlie Sheen return to series television. It was recently announced that Emmy® and Golden Globe award winning actor Martin Sheen will join the cast of Anger Management in a recurring role, playing “Martin Goodson,” Charlie’s father.
“Charlie Sheen is one of the great comedy superstars of our generation, Bruce Helford is an exceptional showrunner and FX has been a visionary partner who recognized the show’s tremendous potential from the outset,” said Kevin Beggs, President of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We’re thrilled that our team has created another powerful and enduring Lionsgate brand that will resonate with audiences around the world for many years to come.”
Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein added, “Anger Management has proven its value as a top performer for FX from its record-breaking premiere, finishing its initial run as one of highest-rated comedy series on cable television. Now we have 100 episodes of a top-tier sitcom with an A-list star the caliber of Charlie Sheen to sell into off-network syndication starting in September 2014. We thank the great team at FX for believing in this proven model, and Charlie, Bruce, a wonderful cast and writers for delivering a comedy that has been such a major success.”
The series premiere episode of Anger Management (6/28/12) was the most-watched primetime scripted comedy series premiere in cable history.
In Anger Management, Sheen stars as “Charlie Goodson,” a non-traditional therapist specializing in anger management. He has a successful private practice, holding sessions with his group of primary patient regulars each week, as well as performing pro bono counseling for an inmate group at a state prison.
Charlie thrives on the chaos in his life while still battling his own anger issues. His life is complicated by his relationships with his own therapist/best friend (Selma Blair), an ex-wife whose positive outlook but poor choice in men frustrates Charlie (Shawnee Smith), and their 15-year-old daughter (Daniela Bobadilla).
Blair, Smith, Bobadilla, Michael Arden, Noureen DeWulf, Derek Richardson and Barry Corbin are series regulars. Michael Boatman guest stars.
Bruce Helford serves as Executive Producer/Showrunner. Mark Burg, Joe Roth, Dave Caplan and Vince Totino are Executive Producers. Anger Management is produced by Lionsgate Television and distributed by Debmar-Mercury.
