• Thursday, Mar. 30, 2017
Spike network to be spiked, rebranded as Paramount in 2018 
This combination of file photos shows actor Michael Shannon, left, at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif., and actress Alicia Silverstone at the 9th Annual Women in Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party on Feb. 26, 2016, in Los Angeles. Cable’s Spike network will be transformed into the Paramount network early next year, introducing new series, including, "American Woman" starring Silverstone and "Waco," a limited series starring Shannon. (Jordan Strauss, left, and Rich Fury/AP/Invision, Files)
  • NEW YORK (AP)
  • --

Cable television's Spike network will be transformed into the Paramount network early next year, introducing new series with stars to include Alicia Silverstone and Michael Shannon.

In its announcement Thursday, owner Viacom billed the rebranded network as "a prime destination for premium storytelling." Spike, launched in 2003, has focused on young men.

Paramount's slate of new series will include "American Woman," starring Silverstone as a feminism-driven single mother struggling to raise her two daughters in the 1970s.

The limited series "Waco," starring Shannon and John Leguizamo, will cover the 51-day siege between the government and the Branch Davidians spiritual sect.

And "Heathers" will be a black-comedy anthology based on the 1988 film, with Shannen Doherty among its stars.

In addition, Spike-bred hit "Lip Sync Battle" will return for its fourth season.


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