Ryan Seacrest has closed an overall two-year scripted deal with CBS Television Studios, a studio representative told TheWrap.
Under the pact, Ryan Seacrest Productions will develop scripted projects for broadcast, cable and streaming under programming executive vice president Nina Wass.
The partnership with CBS TV Studios could provide the expertise that RSP needs to launch a strong scripted department. Its first venture into scripted, the comedy “Mixology,” was canceled by ABC in May after earning very low ratings. It averaged a modest 1.5 rating among the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 and only saw a 20 percent bump with DVR playback.
Also read: Ryan Seacrest Set to Renew ‘American Idol’ Contract, but NBCU and E! Future Uncertain
Currently, its scripted projects include the Jennifer Lopez drama “Shades of Blue” at NBC, a drama in development with rapper Pitbull, and two ABC comedies.
As for unscripted programming, RSP will continue to be independent and sell projects across networks. It has a strong body of unscripted programming ranging from E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and its spinoffs, Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset” and Esquire Network’s “How I Rock It.”
Also read: Nickelodeon Orders Viral Video Game Show From Ryan Seacrest
This new deal with CBS TV Studios joins a few others for Ryan Seacrest and his production company, including CBS’ live two-hour special “Fashion Rocks,” a one-year deal with NBC for specials and contributions to E! and NBC.
Additionally, Seacrest has talent contracts to host Fox’s “American Idol” and ABC’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”