Seven tells fans "the wait is over."

The Seven Network has indicated its programming department is taking notice of fansites and blogs.

In announcing the return of Prison Break and Heroes in 2007, Seven’s Director of Programming and Production, Tim Worner said, “From the feedback we’ve been getting from fansites and blogs, the message has been very clear. Now from Seven we’re sending a message back – the waiting is over.”

“We’ll be running Prison Break and Heroes as close to their US telecast dates as practically possible.

“Sure, we have to change the way we take delivery of the materials but it’s more than that – we have to change the way we think and the way we sell these shows and at Seven we’ve shown we can do that,” he said.

Kingdom, Murder Squad, and the miniseries Flood are amongst new titles announced by Seven for its second half of programming in 2007. Seven also confirms the launch of Shark next month, plus the return of Dancing with the Stars, Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, Las Vegas and Bones.

Other shows previously announced include Kath and Kim, Surf Rescue Patrol, Border Security, City Homicide, Australia’s Best Backyards, RSCPA Animal Rescue, Medical Emergency, The Force and Michael Palin’s Europe.

Kingdom features Stephen Fry as a solicitor who is getting on with life after the mysterious disappearance of his brother. The ITV production aired in the UK earlier this year. Flood stars Robert Carlyle. Seven will also air Diana – Her Life In Pictures and The Last Days Of A Princess.

Press Release: (edited to avoid spoilers)

After winning 16 weeks of the 2007 TV season, Channel Seven is showing no signs of slowing down for the remainder of the ratings year – unveiling its second half line-up. Foxy ladies Kath and Kim will join a line-up of fresh new Aussie TV – including the drama City Homicide and Jamie Durie’s new show for Seven, Australia’s Best Backyards.

The shows Australia loves – Dancing With The Stars and Border Security – will return for new seasons…and in a bold programming move, Seven will screen the next series of Prison Break and Heroes later this year – directly after their US screenings.

Seven’s Director of Programming and Production, Tim Worner said: “From the feedback we’ve been getting from fansites and blogs, the message has been very clear. Now from Seven we’re sending a message back – the waiting is over.” “We’ll be running Prison Break and Heroes as close to their US telecast dates as practically possible.

“Sure, we have to change the way we take delivery of the materials but it’s more than that – we have to change the way we think and the way we sell these shows and at Seven we’ve shown we can do that .”

In a casting coup, Aussie star Chris Vance – best known as All Saints’ Dr Sean Everleigh – is joining the next season of Prison Break – and fans won’t have to wait until 2008 to see him in action.

— edit —
New US series Shark will join Seven’s long list of US hit series – starring James Wood as a charismatic, cut-throat defence attorney turned prosecutor. Shark will debut on Seven next month. New seasons of other US hits Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, Las Vegas and Bones will also screen on Seven later this year.

New Australian series will include:

RSCPA Animal Rescue – an observational documentary series about the high-pressured work faced by the RSPCA, and hosted by blue Wiggle Anthony Field.

City Homicide – Seven’s new police drama series – starring Shane Bourne, Noni Hazlehurst, Daniel MacPherson, Nadine Garner, Damien Richardson and Aaron Pedersen.

Australia’s Best Backyards – hosted by Australia’s favourite landscaper Jamie Durie, taking a peek into some of the most remarkable backyards across the country.

Kath and Kim – Australia’s best loved foxy-morons return to Seven for series four of their worldwide smash hit series – starring Gina Riley and Jane Turner.

Surf Patrol – an observational documentary series that follows the tireless work of the volunteers of the Surf Life Saving Association – across Australia.

After an incredible season earlier in the year, Dancing With The Stars will return for series seven later this year – a new line-up of dancing celebrities will be announced soon. Daryl Somers and Sonia Kruger will return to host the smash hit series.

Last year’s number one series Border Security is back for a full new season, moving to a new night – Mondays – starting July 2. Border Security is joined by the return of its factual stablemates – the top-rating Medical Emergency and The Force .

Michael Palin’s Europe – his new BBC produced travel series leads a stellar line-up of UK stars and programming to debut on Seven this year.

Other new series include Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry; a new cop series Murder Squad; the big-budget mini-series Flood – starring Robert Carlyle; and, soon on Seven, two specials to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the life of Diana – Her Life In Pictures and The Last Days Of A Princess.

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