ABC to space out airings of new 'V' series

ABC's new alien drama "V" is going to utilize a staggered rollout pattern schedule for the series that premieres Nov. 3.

According to an article on HollywoodReporter.com, "The network will likely air the first four episodes of the alien drama in November, with the remaining segments of the 13-episode order eyed for spring, probably March. The four-episode November run will end with a cliffhanger, setting up the stage for 'V's' midseason return.'"

Rumors pertaining to the actual existence of the series have been running rampant given that the show's production has been shut down since late August due to a "creative hiatus" along with erroneous information that has been spread to the show's cast and crew, citing that the produced episodes would air as a miniseries, just like the 1984 original. Yet, sources at both ABC and producer Warner Bros. TV have vehemently denied these claims.

The Variety.com article goes on to say that, "'V,' which has two episodes plus the pilot in the can, is now in pre-production and is scheduled to begin filming episode 4 in mid-October. After that episode is completed, the series will go on a holiday hiatus.'"

It is unclear if the series, which stars Elizabeth Mitchell, who portrayed Julia Sullivan in 2000's "Frequency" opposite Dennis Quaid, will resume production following the break but sources at the network and the studio contest that the airing of the first four episodes in November will not be linked to the decision to restart the series.