IFC Renews ‘Onion News Network' For Season Two

Greenlights four new series for 2011-12

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/22/2011 2:42:38 PM

Click here for complete coverage of the 2011 Upfronts
IFC announced the second season renewal for its satirical news show Onion News Network as part of its upfront presentation to press on Tuesday in New York.

Hosted by Brooke Alvarez, ONN is averaging 2.5 million adults 18-49 in its first season, and IFC upped its season two order to 16 episodes, its largest order for an original scripted show. Season two of ONN will premiere in October.

Also joining IFC's original programming slate in the 2011-12 season are four new series designed to "extend our reach without abandoning our niche," says Evan Shapiro, president of IFC and Sundance Channel. Series are Commercial Kings, Young, Broke & Beautiful, Whisker Wars and Bullet in the Face.

Whisker Wars, from Thom Beer's Original Productions, is a docu-comedy about the world of competitive facial-hair growing. The first of seven episodes will premiere Aug. 5. Another docu-comedy, Commercial Kings from Reveille, follows a filmmaking duo as they produce commercials for local businesses. Series premieres June 24.

Among the series in development are Greg & Donny, from the winners of the New York Television Festival's "Out of the Box" Award, about two guys from rural Pennsylvania. There's also an untitled variety project with Comedy Death-Ray's Scott Aukerman.

IFC had previously announced second season renewals for The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret and Portlandia.

The press event was held at the hip Ace Hotel in a private room filled with vintage speakers, (which Portlandia star Fred Armisen joked were identical to one he had at home).