Derek Hough Signs New Overall Deal with ABC Entertainment
Cross posting this from PureDerekHough, since Derek is back on DWTS…and possibly will be beyond this season as well…
Well, sounds to me like Derek has fully rejoined the ABC family. Derek previously had a first look deal with Universal which apparently didn’t work out very well since we haven’s seen any content (except maybe Holidays with the Houghs??) produced by him in the year since he signed it. Of course, I’m assuming that you don’t have these kinds of deals with more than one company. Seems like a good assumption. Also not sure what the difference is between a “first look” and an “overall” deal. The first is in the name – perhaps the second is more solid?? No idea. Anyway, good for him and I hope we see something from him SOON. Something that includes his face on my TV screen. 🙂 From the ABC Press Release:
Today, ABC Entertainment announced an overall deal with Emmy® Award winner, six-time Mirrorball champion dancer and “Dancing with the Stars” judge Derek Hough. In this role, Hough will host and develop specials and entertainment programming for the network.
“Coming home to ABC and being given the opportunity to develop projects for them that are as much on brand for them as they are for me makes this even that more exciting for me,” said Derek Hough.
“Derek is a creative force not just in the ballroom but also every room he enters,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “He has been part of our ABC family for many years; the energy and dedication he brings to every project is palpable. We value his partnership immensely and look forward to the exciting and imaginative projects to come.”
Here’s the answer to one question thanks to Variety:
News of his deal comes just one week after the season 29 debut of “Dancing With the Stars,” and just over a year after Hough signed a first-look deal with Universal Television. At the time, Hough was a judge on “World of Dance,” but sources say he is no longer under that pact.
first of all – yay! More Derek on my TV screen is fine by me.
just a guess, but could first-look deal be like a hand shake deal – let’s see how this works for both parties, no one under any long-term obligations, no harm no hard feelings if it doesn’t work out; whereas the overall deal is signed in blood (so to speak)?
Do you think that this could have been one of the reasons they got him back on DWTS? Personally I hope he stays a judge on here, with whatever else he has planned.
@Linde, that’s what I was thinking-kind of reminds me of a pilot for a TV show, just testing the waters and seeing how it goes and looking at the feedback. But good for him!
Very interesting news! Firstly great for Derek, I’m sure ABC had to roll out the big bucks to prise him from NBC.
Have to say, I don’t whether this bodes well for the future of World of Dance, as far as I know nothing has come out publicly about whether the show has been cancelled or renewed for next season. Perhaps Derek knows something we don’t? Either way, good that he is sorted.
I don’t think so, Linde, I think it’s exactly what it says it is. They get a shot (or first look) at anything Derek develops. Perhaps “overall” means they’ve committed to a certain number of projects or something.
I did look it up and he did produce Holidays with the Houghs with Julianne and two others.
M8, I was speculating that because it hadn’t been renewed yet, maybe JLo was the hold up (or hold out) and rather than wait and see what she wanted to do, Derek looked out for his own career. Which is as it should be. I have no doubt it would be renewed if JLo wanted to do it because the ratings were pretty solid.
There’s also the possibility that Derek’s Universal deal was only for a year and when it expired, ABC made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.