Long live capitalism! The success of the F/X series The people vs OJ Simpson has breathed life into the brutal double homicide and public trial that occurred more than twenty years ago. ESPN was set to debut its own OJ mini series, but the success of F/X has caused those in charge to rethink the broadcast strategy.
According to the Wall Street Journal (viaSportsBusiness Daily) ESPN will now be televising the miniseries under the broader umbrella of ABC. The five-part O.J.: Made in America will debut on ABC and re-air ESPN. The ABC/ESPN version will be a documentary, similar to its famed “30 for 30” series.
Don’t be surprised if more networks jump into the OJ pool. It seems there is an appetite for more. The crime of the century and subsequent trial is a new “tv show” for those that were not around. And for those of us that were, it’s like revisiting “old friends.” What does this say about us as a collective?