NBC protests early airings of 'Medium'

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NBC is protesting CBS' move to start running repeats of "Medium" this summer. Peacock canceled the show in May, but per standard series licensing deals, still has exclusive primetime rights to the show until September, when the new season begins.

That's why it was unusual to see episodes of "Medium" creep onto the Eye early. Segs that originally ran on NBC this year are currently running Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on CBS. Eye execs likely believe they have the ability to start airing the show now that NBC has canceled it.

Insiders said NBC is demanding that the Eye reimburse it for the right to air those episodes. Both sides aren't commenting on the rift. The summer tussle is just the latest surrounding "Medium," which CBS will officially start airing on Friday nights this fall. Peacock had offered a 13-episode pickup for "Medium," but CBS TV Studios was looking for a full-season order.

When NBC wouldn't budge, the Eye moved the show to its own network. NBC, meanwhile, pointed to the show's low ratings in cutting it loose -- and CBS TV Studios shot back by sending out a press release denouncing the Peacock's move as "inexplicable."

 

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