Esquire launch put back to summer

Upcoming US cable network Esquire will now launch this summer, months after its planned debut date of April 22.

The channel, a rebrand of G4, has been delayed due to the volume of original programming being lined up, according to general manager Adam Stotsky.

“We have an opportunity to launch with more original programming than we had envisioned. In order to give our viewers a more substantial programme offering that showcases the breadth of the Esquire Network, we are pushing our rebrand to the summer,” he said in a statement.

A strategic partnership between NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines, publishers of Esquire magazine, the channel plans to launch up to 12 original series this year.

Among them are How I Rock It (working title, 6×30′), a men’s lifestyle show hosted by NBA superstar Baron Davis that’s being executive produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Citizen Jones. Zodiak Media in New York is also producing Risky Listing (wt, 6×60′), a series about New York’s nightlife.

Another original show is American Field Trip (wt, 6×30′), in which photojournalist and blogger Matt Hranek hits the road to uncover off-the-beaten-path people and experiences, while G4 series American Ninja Warrior will return for a new 24-part season.

The net has already announced competitive food series Knife Fight (18×30′), exec produced by Drew Barrymore via Flower Films and Authentic Entertainment, and travel series The Getaway (10×60′), starring Anthony Bourdain and produced by Zero Point Zero.

On the acquisitions front, Esquire has picked up Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Parks & Recreation, Party Down, Burn Notice and Psych, as well as a several male-skewing movies such as Ocean’s 13 Déjà vu and some James Bond flicks.

The normal schedule of G4 will continue until the new summer launch date, which has not yet been announced.