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Twilight time on ABC

The ABC may not seem to be a natural home for the Twilight franchise but the broadcaster has bought all five Twilight movies to screen on ABC2.

The deal with Australian distributor Studiocanal reflects the management’s efforts to attract more young viewers to the digital channel, which typically has a 2.8% share of the audience.

The Twilight movies aired on Foxtel’s movie channels. Following the pay-TV window Network Ten bought the first Twilight but the free-to-air rights for the entire series were up for grabs.

“We are pleased to have sold the package to the ABC,” Studiocanal CEO Robert Slaviero told IF, adding that he was “pleasantly surprised” when the broadcaster made the offer.

Brendan Dahill, ABC TV head of programming, told IF, “The Twilight series is an opportunity for ABC2 to bring this blockbuster entertainment to younger viewers, both existing fans of the series and those who are curious about its phenomenal popularity.

“It’s also for anyone who enjoys [a bit of] ad free, guilty pleasure.” The movies will air later this year at dates to be advised.