Future of TV

An inside look at WGN America's second season of 'Manhattan'

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By Natan Edelsburg, SVP

October 5, 2015 | 4 min read

WGN America used to be know only for it's impressive reruns of shows like How I Met Your Mother. Now, on October 13th at 9pm ET, the Tribune Media owned network is about to debut the second season of its hit drama "Manhattan" (starring John Benjamin Hickey), a period drama that takes place during the making of the atom bomb (the "Manhattan Project"). The facinating show is one of the best dramas on TV right now and has remnants of Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad, The Blacklist and more.

Manhattan season 2

Manhattan season 2

Found Remote interviewed Brian Dollenmayer, the EVP of Marketing and Promotions for WGN America and Tribune Studios and their big digital campaign launching on Tuesday, their "Fanhattans," and their plans for the new season. The show has built a core audience that's both obsessed with the storyline and addicted to diving into the actual history that surrounds it.

Found Remote: After the success of season one, what are you doing for season two to engage with Manhattan's fans?

Brian Dollenmayer: We’re developing more content than ever. The cast and producers have been wonderful sharing set secrets and behind-the-scenes moments with us.

FR: Any digital/social campaigns you'd like to highlight?

BD: We’re very excited about our ‘Web Of Deceit’ digital campaign debuting on October 6. It will be a way for fans to see how all the characters’ lives and lies are intertwined. It’s also a quick and easy way for new fans to get caught up on what they might have missed.

Our mobile ads should get a lot of attention as well as they simulate a Geiger counter when the ad kicks in. I’ve never seen anything like them before.

FR: What partners/social platforms are you using/working with?

BD: We have partnered with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

FR: How involved are the talent in tweeting/getting involved on social with fans?

BD: The cast and creative team have been incredible and very involved in talking to ‘Fanhattans’ on social media and giving them an inside look at the show, from live tweeting the episodes to posting original content. We value our fans, they are the heartbeat of our show, and we want to deepen their connection to the characters and story through our special, behind-the-scenes content delivered on multiple social media platforms.”

FR: Anything else?

BD: We’re thrilled to have our very own Manhattan quiz where fans will choose between The Manhattan Project or Manhattan, New York. Some of the answers to the quiz will definitely surprise you.

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