Bruckheimer Takes Over Television With 10 Series

If you're a fan of Jerry Bruckheimer shows, prepare never to leave the house next season: the producer has three new dramas in the making and a Bruckheimer first - a sitcom.

The CSI producer did fairly well during this year's pilot season, as four of his pilots were snagged by different television networks. This means 10 shows will have the Bruckheimer label during the 05/06 television season, breaking the record previously owned by Aaron Spelling, who, during his best years, had 8 shows under his belt. And though Bruckheimer still has a long way to go to catch up to Spelling's 200 shows, the producer will be the first to have 10 television series on the air simultaneously.

"[Jerry Bruckheimer] deserves to have the record because he has done it with quality and by being a collaborator," CBS head Les Moonves told Variety. "He takes over the mantle of another great producer in Aaron (Spelling). I don't think anyone will ever equal this record."

In addition to the three CSIs, Without A Trace, Cold Case, and The Amazing Race, three new dramas will carry the Bruckheimer name. E-Ring, set to air on NBC, CBS's Close To Home, previously known as American Crime, and the WB's Just Legal will make their debut during the 05/06 season. The company is also expanding its horizons to include a sitcom into their production resumé. Modern Men has been picked up by the WB as a mid-season replacement.

"It's hard getting a pilot made and then picked up," Bruckheimer said. "Now we have to figure out how to turn them into big successes." Despite the record breaking 10 series, however, Bruckheimer plans to keep his company small and with one single goal in mind. "It's the same as it's always been -- we like to entertain people. We just want you to sit back and enjoy yourself and stay tuned to whatever show we have on the air or in the movie theater."

The original reports for this article, which include quotes by colleague Jonathan Littman, can be found at The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.com (free subscription required).

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