A Hitch in Turner’s Swing

Turner Broadcasting System Inc. said Monday that it has acquired the network-television-premiere rights and first-network windows for Columbia Pictures’ new romantic comedy, Hitch.

The film -- which stars Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valleta, Michael Rapaport and Adam Arkin -- will become available to TBS and Turner Network Television in 2007.

The deal also covers recent releases The Grudge and Spanglish.

Hitch is a stellar romantic comedy with a top-notch cast,” TBS and TNT executive vice president and chief operating officer Steve Koonin said in a prepared statement.

“This high-profile acquisition, along with the acquisition of horror hit The Grudge and the critically acclaimed comedy drama Spanglish, represents Turner Broadcasting’s continued commitment to providing our viewers with the very best entertainment and brightest stars Hollywood has to offer,” he added.