By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Saturday, September 26, 2015
Lifetime is bringing back "Devious Maids," which is shot in metro Atlanta, for a fourth season.
The network has been very supportive of Atlanta. It has aired a few reality shows here (e.g. "Double Divas," the current "Atlanta Plastic") and a previous drama for six seasons ("Drop Dead Diva.")
The soapy drama, which was created by Marc Cherry of "Desperate Housewives" fame, features the shenanigans of Latino housekeepers and their rich employers set in Beverly Hills. Regulars include Ana Ortiz, Susan Lucci, Judy Reyes and Grant Show.
The show, which ended season three a few weeks ago, showed stable ratings despite a fall off in overnight ratings from season two, when the show averaged about 1.8 million overnight viewers. "Devious Maids" season three opened at 1.47 million in overnight ratings and ended at 1.53 million. I don't have ratings after DVR and on-demand usage but presumably, they were good enough for Lifetime to give the show more episodes.
" 'Devious Maids' is a steady hit that continues to deliver for us," said Lifetime's EVP Liz Gateley in a statement. "It has found a loyal audience that is socially engaged with the show."
The renewal came quicker than last year. Last year, the delay stemmed from Cherry's desire to step down as showrunner. He was replaced by Brian Tanen, who worked under Cherry on "Desperate Housewives." Cherry remained as an executive producer and his voice remained strong on the show, which is frothy and fun, with occasional moments of angst and drama.
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Atlanta-based TNT nixed Jennifer Beals' medical drama "Proof" after one season. Its ratings were about 3.3 million viewers (including DVR usage up to three days) but presumably, it skewed too old for a network seeking younger viewers with a mere 0.5 18-49 rating.
Beals played a doctor who researches reincarnation and near-death experiences while coping with the death of her teenage son.
Kyra Sedgwick of "The Closer" fame was an executive producer.
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