Associated Press
NEW YORK — Ozzy Osbourne and his family, who swiftly became cultural icons in MTV’s most popular series ever, will open their home life to the cameras once again.
MTV announced a second season for "The Osbournes" on Wednesday in a lucrative deal that threatens to turn the network into "OzTV."
The reality sitcom that depicted the addled rock star, his wife Sharon, daughter Kelly and son Jack alternating swearing at and showing their love for one another drew nearly 8 million viewers at its peak last month — unprecedented numbers for the cable network.
"It’s proven to be a seminal show for MTV," network president Van Toffler said. "Part of the charm is that it was so unexpected, and I believe the reason it works is the juxtaposition of the freakiest, weirdest human on the planet in the most traditional of situations."
The first season consisted of only 10 episodes, repeated relentlessly. Wednesday’s deal is for 20 episodes that will begin filming next month and air in the fall.
MTV wouldn’t comment on the financial terms. It is believed the Osbourne family will receive $5 million for the upcoming season, with the potential to make much more if the ratings stay high, if the show is sold internationally and if there’s wide interest in ancillary products such as T-shirts.
"I hope the Osbournes get incredibly wealthy on this show and it works well for both of us," Toffler said.
Representatives for the Osbournes did not immediately return a call for comment. Sharon Osbourne was quoted in MTV’s news release as calling the experience "absolutely (expletive) amazing."
The deal has been long rumored, with Sharon and Kelly saying weeks ago that the family had agreed to continue the show. But MTV insisted the complex contract wasn’t finalized until this week.
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