Cable network also snags 'The Whitest Kids U' Know'

Making a somewhat odd push into the world of musical originals, IFC has acquired 10 new installments of R. Kelly's alternatingly adored and mocked "Trapped in the Closet."

IFC announced the pick-up on Sunday (July 15) afternoon at the network's TCA press tour session.

"Trapped in the Closet" premiered in late 2005. The hip-hopera, parsed out over 12 chapters, focused on a character named Sylvester played by R. Kelly, who also wrote the series. The tawdry saga was an online viewing sensation and target of rather relentless parody, most notably in the notorious "South Park" episode titled "Trapped in the Closet."

IFC will air the original 12 episodes as well, streaming all 22 episodes on IFC.com.

In addition to the "Trapped in the Closet" announcement, IFC also told critics that "The Whitest Kids U' Know" will transition to IFC from corporate sibling Fuse. The first 10 episodes of the Canada-based sketch comedy show premiered on Fuse last year.