Hulu Announces Supernatural Comedy 'Deadbeat,' Other Original Programming

Hulu is trying a medium on for size with a lineup of original programming. Announced today, the online video service will be rolling out four new shows and six returning ones for 2014. Along with popular projects such as "East Los High" and "The Awesomes," which will be coming back for a second season, Hulu announced "Deadbeat," a new paranormal comedy.

Starring Tyler Labine ("Reaper," "Tucker & Dale vs. Evil," shown above), "Deadbeat" follows a ghost whisperer who helps specters settle their unfinished business. Also on the show is Cat Deeley, from "So You Think You Can Dance," who is the rival to Tyler's character.

Hulu development chief Charlotte Koh said the show would have an irreverent sense of humor and be a mix of "supernatural, comedy and buddy elements in a cocktail." Premiering April 9, the 10-episode series is a co-production with Lionsgate Television and marks a "genre reinvention angle we look for," said Koh.

Other new programming on the way is "Hotwives of Orlando," a "Real Housewives" reality-TV style spoof; "The Next Step," a reality show about a group of dancers heading to regionals; "The Bridge," the original Scandinavian cop drama that is also the basis for the Americanized version on FX Networks.

The shows will be available on subscription service Hulu Plus, and on the free Hulu site in a limited capacity.

-Aaron Sagers

FEARnet's December Programming Schedule

FEARnet’s December to Dismember programming schedule kicked off the month with their premiere of “Army of Darkness” and keeps on giving all December long. In addition, other premieres include: “Anaconda”, “The Messengers”, a “Silent Night, Deadly Night” Trilogy, and the World Television Premiere of “Donner Pass.”

After Christmas, they encourage you to indulge during their four-day “Holiday Buffet,” From December 26-29, when they offer, “Monster Portions of FEARnet Favorites Such As ‘Holliston’, ‘Todd & The Book of Pure Evil’, and ‘Fear Clinic.’”

Also, starting on Tuesday, December 3, at noon EST and running until 8 P.M ET on Thursday, January 2, participants can enter the Holiday Sweepstakes, to win a “sleigh-full of twisted treats” featuring a 46” LCD BX450 HDTV; an undead uprising of DVDs that includes “28 Days Later,” “Night of the Living Dead,” and “Shaun of the Dead;” DL & Co. Diamond-Shaped Jewelry Box; exclusive “Tales From the Crypt” merchandise; FEARnet swag, and more!

Here are more programming details from the press release:

'Reaper' reunion airs tonight on FEARnet

Courtesy FEARnet

We were thrilled to hear FEARnet would be re-airing the cancelled-too-soon cult hit Reaper starting on June
4 at 9 p.m. ET. We were also tickled to learn of a reunion special featuring the cast.

According to a press release, the Reaper cast reassembled on April 24 to film the half-hour reunion special that will air tonight at 9 p.m. ET on FEARnet.

The special is hosted by web personality Angie Greenup and will feature series stars Ray Wise, Tyler Labine and Bret Harrison, as well as Rick Gonzalez, Ken Marino, Christine Willes.

Also from the release, series creators Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas will appear and share some insider info such as, “that comedic icon Louis C.K. originally auditioned for the part of the Devil; and whether or not the team would be open to a Kickstarter campaign to resurrect REAPER, are just a few of the things fans can expect to glean from the special.”

FEARnet revives 'Reaper'

Courtesy FEARnet

Were you a fan of The CW comedy Reaper when it aired from 2007-09, and felt like it got short shrift when it was canceled? You are not alone. The show aired two seasons and was developing a nerd following but died before its time.

And now it is coming back -- sorta.

Horror network FEARnet has licensed both seasons of the hour-long series for a complete 31 episode order. It will return June 4 at 9 p.m. ET for its Tuesday night Twisted Comedy Block. The show will serve as lead-in for the second season of the FEARnet original half-hour comedy series, Holliston that airs at 10 p.m. ET the same night

Sort of like a supernatural Chuck, the show focuses college drop-out, and big-box electronic store employee Sam Oliver (Bret Harrison) who must work as a bounty hunter for the Devil (Ray Wise). As part of a deal made many years ago, Sam’s parents offered up their firstborn son in exchange for good health for the ailing father. Tyler Labine (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil) play Sam’s slacker friend who helps him 'reap' escaped souls from Hell using a Dirt Devil vacuum.

Not only is FEARnet reviving the show, it is also producing a half-hour reunion special that will reunite a few of the original crew and cast members including Harrison, Labine and Wise (The Devil). They’ll discuss the popularity of Reaper and its finale in round-table format.

-Larissa Mrykalo