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‘Lost’ finds security
on ABC’s schedule
The network picks up nine more
episodes of the isle-filmed drama
"Lost" has found a permanent home on ABC.
The new hit show has been picked up by the network for a full season, which means another nine episodes beyond the 13 already being filmed.
"Lost" is the most expensive television show ever filmed in Hawaii and perhaps the United States, costing an estimated $3 million to $4 million an episode. The "Lost" pilot was the most expensive in the network's history, costing as much as $14 million.
The nine additional episodes are budgeted for at least $27 million on top of about $39 million for the first 13 shows. Most of the $66 million in production costs is spent in Hawaii.
"Lost" has been the top program in its hour among Wednesday night viewers both here and on the mainland. The castaway drama is up 6.1 million viewers for the hour from last year (17.6 million vs. 11.5 million) and up 40 percent in adults 18 to 49 (6.6 rating/18 share this year vs. 4.7 rating/13 share last year), a key demographic for advertisers.
"Lost" is expected to film on Oahu to mid-January following a December holiday break.
"Lost" gets a new character in upcoming episodes when William Mapother comes on board to play a mysterious character named Ethan.
"Lost" was created by J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof. Lindelof and Bryan Burk serve as executive producers. "Lost" hails from ABC's sister studio Touchstone Television.
