TV Guide Network to air ‘Ugly’ re-runs

TV Guide Network announced Wednesday it has acquired the exclusive basic cable off-network rights to the U.S. television series Ugly Betty.

TV Guide Network said it made the deal with Disney-ABC Domestic Television to bolster its programming and attract new viewers.

Ugly Betty is the network’s first scripted series acquisition. It is scheduled to start airing as a weekly strip on TV Guide Network in fall 2010.

We are thrilled to be the exclusive cable and satellite home for a show as popular as ‘Ugly Betty,’ which will become a cornerstone of TV Guide Network’s schedule, Ryan O’Hara, president of the TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com, said in a statement. ‘Ugly Betty’ is a show that both fans and critics love, and one we believe will attract new viewers and advertisers to our network and Web site. This acquisition is the first step of a larger, ongoing plan to strengthen our programming schedule and redefine TV Guide Network as a place to watch great television.

The series is slated to begin its fourth season on ABC this October.