Networks haven't been rushing to acquire "gently used" programs to coronavirus-proof their fall schedules

The Hollywood Reporter

Fox's announcement last week that it was picking up reruns of L.A.'s Finest, followed by The CW picking up a slew of other "gently used" programming like Swamp Thing, seemed like signs of things to come as broadcast networks scramble to fill their fall schedules to make them coronavirus-proof. (The deal for NBC to pick up Canadian medical drama Transplant last week had been in the works before the pandemic.) But according to The Hollywood Reporter, "the marketplace for acquired programming — be it foreign pickups or streaming imports — has not seen an uptick in price because unlike a streamer, each network has its own programming strategy." One reason is that the major networks already have massive studio libraries. For instance, ABC can turn to Disney+ and Hulu originals. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Television is trying to shop "gently used" series like the Mad About You revival and Cobra Kai.