“The Kennedys” Finds Home On ReelzChannel

It seems Katie Holmes will get to do her best Jackie O impersonation for the masses Stateside after all. The Kennedys — the shelved political miniseries slighted by The History Channel last month — has found new life on The ReelzChannel, the network revealed this week.

The production stars Greg Kinnear as President John F. Kennedy and Holmes as his stylish wife Jackie. A&E Television Networks planned to air the miniseries on the History channel, but announced last month “after viewing the final product in its totality, we have concluded this dramatic interpretation is not a fit for the History brand.”
At the time, The Hollywood Reporter said the decision to cancel the broadcast was made in response to pressure from members of The Kennedy Family.

Showtimes and HBO passed on purchasing TV rights to the eight-part series before Reelz snapped up The Kennedys in a deal finalized on Tuesday.

“We think it will drive ratings and put a spotlight on this network that has never been on it before,” ReelzChannel Chief Executive Officer Stan Hubbard tells The Reporter. “We’re going to do a full-blown marketing campaign.”

ReelzChannel, which is available on Dish Network, Direct TV and various cable networks, describes itself as “TV about movies” and is home to Hollywood’s Top Ten, a countdown show devoted to films.

“You can be an independent voice and you don’t have to worry about corporate pressure or political pressure,” Hubbard adds. “This is a project that deserves to be seen.”

An airdate has not yet been set.