TNT’s Summer Schedule: Premiere Dates For ‘Falling Skies,’ ‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ ‘Major Crimes,’ ‘Franklin & Bash,’ More…

Via Press Release:

TNT ANNOUNCES 2013 SUMMER PREMIERE DATES LINEUP INCLUDES FOUR NEW SERIES AND FIVE RETURNING HITS

TNT is going to ramp up the drama this summer with a spectacular lineup of original series, including four brand new shows and five returning favorites. Set to launch new seasons this summer are the hit series Falling Skies, Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes, Perception and Franklin & Bash. New series joining them in the lineup include King & Maxwell; the unscripted competition series The Hero and 72 Hours; and the docu-drama procedural Cold Justice (working title).

“Even as we expand TNT’s lineup of original series to a year-round model, summer remains a big season for us and a great opportunity to introduce new series,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “This summer, we’re bringing our viewers a broad range of exciting dramas on TNT, from our tent-pole scripted dramas Falling Skies and Rizzoli & Isles to our newest crime drama King & Maxwell, starring Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn, to new unscripted dramas like The Rock’s action reality show The Hero and Dick Wolf’s compelling new unscripted procedural Cold Justice. They all deliver on TNT’s promise of smart, entertaining storytelling featuring a wide range of engaging personalities.”

The following is TNT’s summer slate of original series, including premiere dates. Hi-res photos are available for download from TNT’s online pressroom at http://tntnewsroom.com.

The Hero – New Series – Premiere: Thursday, June 6, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson headlines this epic new competition series that will bring nine ordinary people together and assign them various missions testing their brains, their brawn and even their morality. The show will challenge the competitors to prove they’ve got what it takes to be heroes, pushing them to the limits to see what they are willing – and able – to overcome, undergo, or sacrifice for the sake of their fellow contestants. Through the show’s unique interactive digital platform, viewers will be polled each week to determine the contestant they consider to be the most heroic. The competition will then climax with viewers voting to determine who deserves the grand prize and the title of “The Hero.” The Hero is executive-produced by Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant and Jimmy Fox); 5×5 Media (part of the Electus studio system led by Craig Armstrong and Rick Ringbakk); Charles Wachter; Dwayne Johnson; and Dany Garcia. The series was created by Armstrong and Ringbakk of the Emmy®-winning 5×5 Media (Survivor, Fashion Star, TBS’s King of the Nerds), along with Wachter (Fashion Star, Food Revolution) and Electus’ Silverman (Fashion Star, The Biggest Loser, The Office).

Connect with TNT’s The Hero

Website: http://www.theherotnt.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheHeroTNT
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheHeroTNT | #TheHero

72 Hours – New Series – Premiere: Thursday, June 6, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Each week, this action-packed, white-knuckle competition series hosted by Brandon Johnson drops three new competing teams of strangers into the wilderness with only a single bottle of water and a GPS tracking device. The competitors have just three days to find a hidden briefcase full of cash. Along the way, they must survive treacherous terrain and battle the elements to be the first to locate $100,000. 72 Hours comes to TNT from Lighthearted Entertainment (Extreme Makeover), with Howard Schultz (The Moment of Truth), Rob LaPlante (The Apprentice) and Brady Connell (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) serving as executive producers.  Jeff Spangler serves as co-executive producer.

Connect with TNT’s 72 Hours

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/72-hours
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/72HoursTNT
Twitter: http://twitter.com/72HoursTNT | #72HoursTNT

Falling Skies – Season 3 – Two-Hour Premiere: Sunday, June 9, at 9 p.m.(ET/PT)… Regular Timeslot: Sundays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

Basic cable’s #1 summer drama among key demos tells the extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle stars as a college professor who becomes an unlikely resistance leader in this gripping series from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg. Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight and Connor Jessup also star. In the third season of Falling Skies, Gloria Reuben is set to guest-star in a multiple-episode arc as Marina Perlata, an aide to Wyle’s Tom Mason. In addition, Robert Sean Leonard is slated to guest-star as Roger Kadar, an obsessive but gifted scientist who runs the local power grid and lives underground with his pet rats, earning him the nickname “The Rat King.” In addition to Spielberg, Falling Skies is executive-produced by DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Remi Aubuchon and Greg Beeman also serve as executive producers.

Connect with TNT’s Falling Skies

Website: http://www.fallingskies.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fallingskies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FallingSkiesTNT
YouTube: http://youtube.com/FallingSkiesTNT
Tumblr: http://fallingskiestnt.tumbler.com
Falling Skies app: Available for iOS and Android platforms

Major Crimes – Season 2 – Premiere: Monday, June 10, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Television’s favorite squad of detectives has entered bold new territory with this hit crime drama that ranked as basic cable’s #1 new series of 2012. The elite team of Major Crimes is back, headed by two-time Oscar® nominee Mary McDonnell as Los Angeles Police Captain Sharon Raydor, GW Bailey as Lieutenant Provenza, Tony Denison as Lieutenant Andy Flynn, Michael Paul Chan as Lieutenant Mike Tao, Raymond Cruz as Detective Julio Sanchez, Kearran Giovanni as Detective Amy Sykes, Phillip P. Keene as tech expert Buzz Watson and Jonathan Del Arco as Dr. Morales. Graham Patrick Martin returns as Rusty Beck, a homeless teen and material witness taken in by Captain Raydor, and Robert Gossett guest-stars as Assistant Chief Russell Taylor. This season, Nadine Velazquez joins the ensemble as Deputy District Attorney Emma Rios.Major Crimes focuses on how the American justice system approaches the art of the deal as law enforcement officers and prosecutors work together to score a conviction. The series is produced by The Shephard/Robin Company and Walking Entropy, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. James Duff, Greer Shephard, Rick Wallace and Michael M. Robin serve as executive producers.

Connect with TNT’s Major Crimes

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/majorcrimes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MajorCrimesTNT
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MajorCrimesTNT | #MajorCrimes
YouTube: http://youtube.com/MajorCrimesTNT
GetGlue: http://getglue.com/tv_shows/major_crimes

King & Maxwell – New Series – Premiere: Monday, June 10, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

This brand new private-eye drama features Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn as bestselling author David Baldacci‘s popular characters Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. These two aren’t your typical private investigators. Both are former Secret Service agents, and their unique skills – not to mention their razor-sharp chemistry – give them a leg up on conventional law enforcement. Maxwell is a former Olympic athlete who uses her brains, beauty and Beltway connections to solve cases. King’s career in the Secret Service ended when the presidential candidate he was assigned to protect was assassinated, sending him on a downward spiral. Today, King has added a law degree to his arsenal of skills, allowing him to navigate the system in ways a typical private investigator never could. Along the way, King and Maxwell clash over everything, from her garbage-strewn car to his love of wine over beer. King & Maxwell also stars Michael O’Keefe and Chris Butler as F.B.I. Special Agents Rigby and Carter, who clash with King and Maxwell over their less-than-legal methods. This series is being produced by CBS Television Studios. Shane Brennan (NCIS: Los Angeles), Grant Anderson (Third Watch); and Chris Downey (Leverage) serve as executive producers, with Karen Spiegel as producer and Baldacci as series consultant.

Connect with TNT’s King & Maxwell

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/king-and-maxwell
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KingAndMaxwell

Rizzoli & Isles – Season 4 – Premiere: Tuesday, June 18, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

One of cable’s Top 3 shows for three consecutive years, Rizzoli & Isles will return this summer with Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as Boston’s top crime-solving duo. Harmon is Jane Rizzoli, a tough-as-nails Boston police detective, and Alexander is Maura Isles, a smart, impeccably dressed medical examiner from a privileged background. Despite being complete opposites, the two women share an offbeat chemistry, an authentic and deep friendship and a unique working relationship that together, helps them to solve the most complex murder mysteries in the city of Boston. Rizzoli & Isles also stars Lorraine Bracco, Lee Thompson Young, Bruce McGill, Jordan Bridges and Brian Goodman. Developed for television by executive producer Janet Tamaro and developed characters created by best-selling crime novelist Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli & Isles is produced for TNT by Warner Horizon Television, Janet Tamaro’s Hurdler Productions and Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions. Tamaro and Haber serve as executive producers.

Connect with TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/rizzoliandisles
Facebook: http://facebook.com/rizzoliandisles
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RizzoliIslesTNT | #RizzoliandIsles
YouTube: http://youtube.com/RizzoliIslesTNT
Tumblr: http://rizzoliandislestnt.tumblr.com
GetGlue: http://getglue.com/tv_shows/rizzoli_isles

Perception – Season 2 – Premiere: Tuesday, June 18, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

This fascinating series features one of the most unique crime solvers on television, an eccentric neuroscience professor who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack stars as Dr. Daniel Pierce, who possesses an intimate knowledge of human behavior and a masterful understanding of the way the mind works. Although Pierce’s mind may be brilliant, it’s also damaged as he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. Rachael Leigh Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student who has recruited Pierce to consult on cases. Also starring are Arjay Smith, Kelly Rowanand LeVar Burton. In addition, season two will feature special guest star Scott Wolf (Party of Five, V, Everwood) as Donnie, Kate’s soon-to-be ex-husband.  Perception was created by executive producer Ken Biller and co-executive producer Mike Sussman, with McCormack serving as producer. The series comes to TNT from ABC Studios.

Connect with TNT’s Perception

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/perception
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PerceptionTNT
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PerceptionTNT | #PerceptionTNT
YouTube: http://youtube.com/PerceptionTNT
GetGlue: http://getglue.com/tv_shows/perception

Franklin & Bash – Season 3 – Premiere: Wednesday, July 24, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

This buddy lawyer series stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer as two young, fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants street lawyers who cause a seismic culture clash when they join a legendary, button-down law firm. This season, Heather Locklear joins the Franklin & Bash cast as Rachel King, a beautiful and brilliant trial lawyer and the firm’s newest partner. Malcolm McDowell returns as Renaissance man Stanton Infeld, the brilliant and eccentrically spontaneous patriarch of the law firm. Also starring are Reed Diamond, Dana Davis and Kumail Nanjiani. Franklin & Bash is produced by Four Sycamore Productions, Left Coast Productions and FanFare Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. Jamie Tarses, Kevin Falls, Matthew McGuinness and Bill Chais serve as executive producers.

Connect with TNT’s Franklin & Bash

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/franklinandbash
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FranklinBash
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FrankandBashTNT
YouTube: http://youtube.com/FranklinBashTNT
GetGlue: http://getglue.com/tv_shows/franklin_bash

Cold Justice (working title) – New Series – Premiere: Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

TNT’s new unscripted procedural drama follows two top-notch female investigators as they dig into small town murder cases that have lingered for years without answers or closure. Kelly Siegler, a Texas prosecutor for 21 years who has successfully tried 68 murder cases, and Yolanda McClary, a crime scene investigator who worked more than 7,000 cases in her 26 years in the Las Vegas Police Department, are putting their vast knowledge and experience to work helping local law-enforcement officers and families of violent-crime victims get to the truth. With a fresh set of eyes on old evidence, superior interrogation skills and access to advanced DNA technology and lab testing, Siegler and McClary are determined to bring about a legal and emotional resolution. Taking on a different unsolved crime each week, they will carefully re-examine evidence, question suspects and witnesses, and chase down leads in order to solve cases that would have otherwise remained cold indefinitely. TNT has ordered eight episodes ofCold Justice, which comes to the network from Wolf Films and Magical Elves. Cold Justice is executive-produced by Emmy® winners Dick Wolf (Law & Order, Chicago Fire), Dan Cutforth & Jane Lipsitz (Top Chef, Fashion Star), Tom Thayer (Hitchcock, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee) and Kathryn Vaughan (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).

Connect with Cold Justice

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/cold-justice
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ColdJusticeTNT

About TNT

TNT is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households and ranking among cable’s top networks, TNT is home to such original drama series as Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Dallas,Major Crimes, Perception, Franklin & Bash and the upcoming King & Maxwell. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like Boston’s Finest and the upcoming 72 Hours and The Hero. In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like Castle, The Mentalist, Bones and Supernatural; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

TNT is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Turner Broadcasting creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Connect with TNT

Website: http://www.tntdrama.com
Pressroom: http://www.tntnewsroom.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TNTWeKnowDrama
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TNTweknowdrama | http://twitter.com/TNTPR
Mobile: http://www.tntdrama.com/mobile
TNT app: Available for iOS and Android platforms

TNT’s Leverage Canceled After Five Seasons

Via Statement from TNT:

TNT’s Leverage has thrilled audiences with its delightfully intricate plots, its “stand up for the little guy” attitude and its terrific performances from stars Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. But after five wonderful years, it’s time to say goodbye. Leverage will come to a close on Christmas, Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 10 p.m., with a series finale that stands as one of the show’s best episodes.

We are honored to have worked with executive producer Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment, creators John Rogers and Chris Downey, and all the cast and production crew on Leverage. We look forward to exploring new opportunities to work with them again in the future. We also want to thank the passionately devoted fans of Leverage, who have been the driving force behind its success.

TNT Greenlights Frank Darabont Crime Drama ‘L.A. Noir’

Via Press Release:

TNT GREENLIGHTS FRANK DARABONT CRIME DRAMA BASED ON ACCLAIMED JOHN BUNTIN BOOK L.A. NOIR

October 17, 2012 – TNT has greenlit a new series from executive producers Frank Darabont (The Walking Dead, The Shawshank Redemption), Michael De Luca (The Social Network, Moneyball) and Elliot Webb (Tall Time Tales). TNT has ordered a total of six episodes for the untitled project, which is being produced by TNT Originals.

Based on the critically acclaimed book L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City by John Buntin, the story chronicles the epic battle between Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and mobster Mickey Cohen. Alissa Phillips (Moneyball) of Michael De Luca Productions serves as co-executive producer. Darabont wrote and directed the pilot. The show, which will air on TNT and Turner networks around the world, will be distributed by TBS International outside of the United States and Canada.

This new series tells the true story of a decades-long conflict between the Los Angeles Police Department, under the determined leadership of Police Chief William Parker, and ruthless criminal elements led by Mickey Cohen, a one-time boxer who rose to the top of L.A.’s criminal world. The series is a fast-paced crime drama set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and ’50s. It’s a world of glamorous movie stars, powerful studio heads, returning war heroes, a powerful and corrupt police force and an even more dangerous criminal network determined to make L.A. its West Coast base.

The new drama stars Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) as Joe Teague, an ex-Marine now working as an LAPD cop in an era rampant with police corruption. Jeffrey DeMunn (The Walking Dead, The Shawshank Redemption) plays Det. Hal Morrison, who heads up the LAPD’s new mob squad, with Jeremy Strong (The Happening, Lincoln) as Det. Mike Hendry, Morrison’s second in command. Neal McDonough (Captain America, Desperate Housewives) is Capt. William Parker, Teague’s boss who is determined to weed out corruption and bring down Mickey Cohen. And Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes) plays Ned Stax, who fought alongside Teague during World War II but who now works as a lawyer with connections to the mob.

The series also stars Ron Rifkin (Alias, L.A. Confidential) as Los Angeles Mayor Fletcher Bowron, who makes it his mission to clean up corruption in city government; Pihla Viitala (Tears of April) as Anya, the head bartender at Bunny’s on Central Avenue, the West Coast center of the African-American jazz scene; and Alexa Davalos (Clash of the Titans, The Mist) as Jasmine, a beautiful woman whose past has come back to haunt her.

In the pilot, Simon Pegg (Star Trek, Shaun of the Dead) guest-stars as Hecky Nash, a third-rate comedian and mob hanger-on.

“This series is an intense, exciting drama that takes viewers back to a truly fascinating time in the history of Los Angeles,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “Frank Darabont, Michael De Luca and Elliott Webb have delivered an outstanding opening episode that evokes the time and place in stunning detail. Together with a pitch-perfect ensemble cast and top-notch production crew, they have woven an engrossing tale of heroism in the face of greed and corruption. We’re very excited to be working with such talented storytellers in bringing this project to life.”

This announcement marks the latest move in TNT’s ambitious strategy to expand to a year-round model of original programming. After dominating the original programming charts this past summer with five returning hits and the three most-watched new series, TNT is ready to build on that success this winter with a slate of six original series. The lineup includes the return of the hit dramas Rizzoli & Isles, Leverage and Dallas; a new season of the critically acclaimed Southland; the premiere of Monday Mornings, a powerful new medical drama from David E. Kelley and Dr. Sanjay Gupta; and the launch of the gripping unscripted series Boston’s Finest, from executive producer Donnie Wahlberg.

TNT Renews ‘The Closer’ Spin-off ‘Major Crimes’ For Second Season

 

Via Press Release:

 

TNT RENEWS “MAJOR CRIMES,” CABLE’S #1 NEW SERIES

 

TNT has renewed its hit original series Major Crimes, the year’s #1 new cable drama. TNT has ordered 15 episodes of the Warner Bros. Television crime drama, which features two-time Oscar® nominee Mary McDonnell leading an outstanding ensemble cast. Major Crimes currently airs Mondays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on TNT, with the first season finale slated for mid-October and the second season scheduled to roll out in summer 2013.

“With Major Crimes, James Duff and his amazing production team have crafted an incredibly entertaining show that not only honors the spirit of The Closer, but also stands alone with its own voice and spirit,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “Week after week, Major Crimes has drawn millions of fans with its combination of sharp writing and engaging characters brought to life by what can only be described as one of the best acting ensembles on television. We look forward to another season of this remarkable new drama.”

With an audience of nearly 7 million viewers, Major Crimes ranks as cable’s #1 new series for the year-to-date. It also holds position as one of basic cable’s Top 3 new dramas with key adult demos, averaging 1.6 million adults 18-49 and 2.1 million adults 25-54. Among all original series on cable, Major Crimes ranks third behind TNT’s The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles for the quarter-to-date. In addition, the series’ Aug. 13 premiere audience of 9.5 million viewers set a new record as basic cable’s most-watched series launch ever.

With the renewal of Major Crimes, TNT has now gone three-for-three when it comes to ordering second seasons of its new scripted dramas. The network previously renewed its hit primetime drama Dallas, which brought together iconic stars from the original series with a new generation of cast members. More recently, TNT renewed the crime drama Perception, starring Eric McCormack.

TNT’s all-new drama series Major Crimes takes television’s favorite squad of detectives into bold new territory. Two-time Oscar® nominee Mary McDonnell stars in the series, continuing her Emmy®-nominated role from The Closer, along with G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Kearran Giovanni and Graham Patrick Martin, with guest stars Robert Gossett, Jon Tenney and Jonathan Del Arco. In Major Crimes, McDonnell plays Captain Sharon Raydor, who leads the Major Crimes unit of the L.A.P.D. The series follows Raydor and her squad of detectives as they work to solve high-profile cases and secure airtight convictions.

Major Crimes is produced by The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television. The Closer‘s James Duff, Greer Shephard, Michael M. Robin, and Rick Wallace serve as executive producers on the new series.

 

 

 

TNT Renews ‘Franklin & Bash’ For Third Season

Via Press Release:

TNT ADDS THIRD SEASON OF FRANKLIN & BASH TO DOCKET

September 28, 2012: TNT has ordered the hit legal series Franklin & Bash back to court for a third season. Starring Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Franklin & Bash averaged 4.3 million viewers in its new Tuesday 10 p.m. (ET/PT) timeslot, up 10% over its first season. The buddy drama also averaged 1.8 million adults 18-49 and 2.0 million adults 25-54.

“Franklin & Bash, with its winning cast and some of the sharpest dialogue on television, is a refreshingly clever, light-hearted take on the courtroom drama” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “We look forward to spending another season with Breckin, Mark-Paul and the rest of the terrific cast and crew of Franklin & Bash.”

Franklin & Bash stars Breckin Meyer as Jared Franklin and Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Peter Bash, two young, fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants street lawyers who caused a seismic culture clash when they joined a legendary, button-down law firm. Jared loves sticking it to authority every chance he gets. Peter, meanwhile, has a knack for connecting with judge and jury any way he can. Malcolm McDowell plays Renaissance man Stanton Infeld, the brilliant and eccentrically spontaneous patriarch of the law firm. Also starring are Reed Diamond, Dana Davis, Garcelle Beauvais and Kumail Nanjiani.

Franklin & Bash is produced by Four Sycamore Productions, Left Coast Productions and FanFare Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. Jamie Tarses, Jason Ensler, Kevin Falls and Bill Chais serve as executive producers.

TNT: Winter Premiere Dates Announced For ‘Leverage,’ ‘Rizolli & Isles,’ ‘Dallas’ ‘Southland,’ More…

Via Press Release:

TNT ANNOUNCES WINTER 2012-13 PREMIERE DATES

 

Lineup Includes Returning Hits Rizzoli & Isles, Dallas and Leverage; Launch of New Medical Drama Monday Mornings; and Fifth Season of Acclaimed Cop Drama Southland

October 2, 2012: As part of its strategic expansion to year-round original programming, TNT is set to burn brightly this winter with a slate of six original series. The lineup includes the return of three hit dramas, a new season of one of the most acclaimed series on television and the premiere of a brand new medical drama from David E. Kelley and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Among TNT’s winter highlights, hit dramas Rizzoli & Isles and Leverage will return for a run of episodes beginning Nov. 27.

TNT’s hot new series Dallas will return for its second season on Jan. 28, followed on Feb. 4 by the debut of Monday Mornings, the new David E. Kelley-Sanjay Gupta medical drama starring Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina and Jamie Bamber.

On Feb. 13, TNT will launch the fifth season of Southland, the acclaimed police drama that puts viewers in the middle of the action on the streets of Los Angeles.

And on Feb. 27, TNT will premiere Boston’s Finest (working title), a new unscripted series with unprecedented access to the Boston Police Department, from executive producer Donnie Wahlberg.

When it comes to specials, TNT will showcase some of the music industry’s biggest stars in the network’s annual presentation of Christmas in Washington on Dec. 21. And TNT will team up with TBS for a live simulcast of the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® on Jan. 27.

A complete roster of TNT’s original series this winter is included below. Hi-res photos are available for download from TNT’s online pressroom at http://tntnewsroom.com.

RIZOLLI & ISLES

Winter Premiere: Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) Over the span of three seasons, Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander have proven that two heads are better than one in this Top 5 drama series. As Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles, the pair share a quirky chemistry and put away some of Boston’s most notorious criminals. Developed by Janet Tamaro from the popular characters created by best-selling author Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli & Isles is produced for TNT by Warner Horizon Television, Janet Tamaro’s Hurdler Productions and Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions.

LEVERAGE

Winter Premiere: Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) Television’s coolest gang of thieves, grifters and con artists are back to close out the fifth season of this fast-paced, light-hearted caper series from blockbuster executive producer Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment. Academy Award® winner Timothy Hutton stars, along with Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. Together, they attempt to take down those who would use wealth and power to take advantage of others.

DALLAS

Two-Hour Season Premiere: Monday, Jan. 28, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) This January, TNT is going to usher in the New Year with a whole new wave of back-stabbing, plot-scheming, black-mailing fun as the hit drama series Dallas returns for its second season. The exciting drama stars three iconic figures from the original series: Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman. They are joined by the next generation, played by Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster and Julie Gonzalo. The series also stars Brenda Strong, Mitch Pileggi and Emma Bell. Produced by Warner Horizon Television, TNT’s Dallas burst onto the scene this past summer with an average of 6.1 million viewers. It currently ranks as basic cable’s #1 new drama for the year-to-date with key adult demos. Special Programming Note: TNT will build up to the season 2 premiere of Dallas with two days of episodes from the first season on Saturday, Jan. 26, and Sunday, Jan. 27.

MONDAY MORNINGS

Series Premiere: Monday, Feb. 4, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) This powerful new series comes to TNT from award-winning producer David E. Kelley and practicing neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D., on whose book the series is based. Set at the fictional Chelsea General Hospital in Portland, Ore.,Monday Mornings follows the lives of doctors as they push the limits of their abilities and confront their personal and professional failings. Produced by TNT Originals and David E. Kelley Productions, the series stars Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Jamie Bamber, Jennifer Finnigan, Bill Irwin, Keong Sim, Sarayu Rao and Emily Swallow.

BOSTON’S FINEST (working title)

Series Premiere: Wednesday, Feb. 27  This gripping new series follows the men and women of the Boston Police Department, encompassing multiple units including the exclusive and highly decorated Gang Unit. Featuring detectives, investigators, beat officers, and others, we get an up close and personal look at what it takes to patrol and secure one of America’s greatest and most distinctive cities. Boston’s Finest (working title) comes to TNT from Jarrett Creative Group, along with executive producer Donnie Wahlberg’s Donnie D. Productions.

TNT Orders Three New Scripted Dramas

Via Press Release:

TNT ORDERS THREE SCRIPTED DRAMA PILOTS 

September 7, 2012 – TNT has ordered pilots for three scripted drama series: King and Maxwell, a new scripted drama based on bestselling author David Baldacci‘s popular private-investigator characters; Legends, a suspenseful, action-packed drama based on a novel by Robert Littell; and Trooper, a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced drama about a divorced mother of three working as a state trooper.

TNT now has four scripted pilots heading into production. In July, TNT ordered a pilot for the action-packed drama series The Last Ship, based on the popular novel by William Brinkley and executive-produced by Michael Bay.

The following are descriptions of TNT’s three new pilots:

KING AND MAXWELL

King and Maxwell follows Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, who aren’t the typical pair of private investigators. Both are former secret service agents, and their unique skill set (not to mention their razor-sharp chemistry) often gives them a leg up on suspects and conventional law enforcement.

King and Maxwell is adapted from characters created by bestselling author David Baldacci. The pilot is being produced for TNT by CBS Television Studios and Shane Brennan Productions, with Shane Brennan (NCIS, NCIS: LA) as executive producer and Karen Spiegel (Absolute Power) and Grant Anderson (Third Watch) as producers. Baldacci serves as a consultant on the project.

 LEGENDS

Legends centers on a deep-cover operative named Martin Odum, who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. But his own identity comes into question when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn’t who he thinks he is.

Legends is based on a book by master spy novelist Robert Littell. It comes to TNT from Fox 21, with Howard Gordon (Homeland, 24), Jeffrey Nachmanoff (Traitor, The Day After Tomorrow), Alexander Cary (Homeland, Lie to Me) and Jonathan Levin (Charmed) serving as executive producers.

TROOPER

Trooper is a compelling procedural drama about a recently divorced female state trooper who is as unconventional at work as she is at home raising her three kids. Her partner on the job is a widowed father who has a much more by-the-book approach to policing.

Trooper comes to TNT from Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Horizon Television, with Jerry Bruckheimer (CSI series, Without a Trace, Cold Case) and Jonathan Littman (CSI series, Without a Trace, Cold Case) serving as executive producers. KristieAnne Reed (Dark Blue) is co-executive producer. The script is by Aron Eli Coleite (Heroes, The River).

Like We Said, No-Brainer: TNT Renews Perception For Season Two In 2013

Not that it was a really bold statement to make, but as we predicted last week when we wrote our review of TNT’s freshman detective procedural, Perception and said this:

“Chance of Renewal: 100% 

As dopey as this type of show is, audiences eat this generic fare up and it’s a bit of a no-brainer for TNT to renew what is an incredibly inexpensive show to produce (and it’s filmed in Canada, as well dropping the costs that much more), only has a 10-episode summer schedule and is bound to be a ratings boon for the network.  Expect renewal by the halfway point of the season.”

…but, yes, we were right and last Friday TNT announced that the series had been picked up for a second season.

Via Press Release:

 

TNT RENEWS HIT DRAMA PERCEPTION, ONE OF BASIC CABLE’S TOP NEW SERIES OF THE YEAR

TNT has ordered a second season of Perception, the hit Monday night drama starring Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?). Perception comes to TNT from ABC Studios and currently ranks second behind TNT’s Major Crimes among basic cable’s top new scripted series for the year-to-date. The network has ordered 13 episodes for season two, which is slated to air in 2013.

“Perception has captured the imagination of TNT’s audience of armchair detectives with wonderfully intricate cases, emotionally charged situations and, of course, a terrific cast led by Eric McCormack,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “Daniel Pierce is a truly unique and fascinating addition to television’s pantheon of crime solvers. We look forward to seeing where Perception takes us next.”

TNT’s Perception, which airs Mondays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), centers on Dr. Daniel Pierce (McCormack), an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That) stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student who asks him to consult on her cases. The cast also includes Arjay Smith (The Day After Tomorrow) as Max Lewicki, Pierce’s teaching assistant, and Kelly Rowan (The O.C.) as Natalie Vincent, Daniel’s best friend and every bit his intellectual equal. In addition, award-winning actor LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation) plays Paul Haley, a dean at the university and Pierce’s friend.

Perception was created by executive producer Ken Biller (Star Trek: Voyager, Smallville) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Enterprise). In addition to starring in the series, McCormack serves as producer.

In its first season, Perception is averaging 7 million viewers (Live + 7), with 1.8 million adults 18-49 and 2.3 million adults 25-54. The July 9 series premiere of Perception ranks third behind the Aug. 13 premiere of Major Crimes and the June 13 premiere of TNT’s Dallas on the list of this year’s top series debuts on cable. The season finale of Perception is set for mid-September.

Connect with Perception

Website: http://tntdrama.com/series/perception/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PerceptionTNT/ | #PerceptionTNT

About ABC Studios

ABC Studios, part of ABC Entertainment Group, develops and produces compelling programming for both broadcast network and cable television as well as digital platforms. ABC Studios has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television such as Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, Criminal Minds, Army Wives, Once Upon a Time, Scandal and Revenge.

About TNT

TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Dallas, Perception, Major Crimes, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Monday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like this summer’s The Great Escape and the upcoming Boston Blue (working title) and 72 Hours (working title). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

TNT: Dallas Renewed For Second Season, Rizzoli & Isles Renewed For Fourth

Well, that didn’t take long but even more encouraging for the freshman reboot (is it really even a reboot or is it just picking up where they left off 21 years ago?) is the fact that it got a 15 episode order when the norm is between 10 and 13. Rizzoli & Isles, a show we have ZERO interest in, also hit the ratings jackpot and earned itself a 15 episode order, as well, for its fourth season.

Via Press Release:

TNT ORDERS SECOND SEASON OF HIT SERIES DALLAS, FROM WARNER HORIZON TELEVISION

TNT has renewed the hit series Dallas for a second season. The Warner Horizon Television-produced drama, which ranks as basic cable’s #1 new series, is currently averaging 6.9 million viewers in its first season. TNT has ordered 15 episodes for its second season, which is slated to air in 2013.

Currently airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), TNT’s Dallas marks the return to Southfork of J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing, who bring with them their arsenal of secrets, schemes and betrayals. This time, they’re joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a new level. The series stars Josh Henderson as John Ross, the son of J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing; Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher, Bobby’s adopted son; Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, John Ross’ girlfriend; Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter, Christopher’s wife; and Brenda Strong as Bobby’s wife, Ann. They are joined by the original series’ iconic stars: Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing.

“Dallas has been a success for us on every level: pitch-perfect writing, smart directing and buzz-worthy performances by a new generation of stars and their iconic counterparts,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “With Dallas‘ top-flight ratings, robust growth through time-shifted viewing and the extensive online buzz, it’s clear the Ewings of Southfork have once again captured the imagination of viewers.”

Dallas comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, with writer Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin serving as executive producers. Shot on location in the title city, Dallas was developed by Cidre and created by David Jacobs.

Dallas scored cable’s #1 scripted series premiere for the year-to-date for its June 13 debut, drawing 7.8 million viewers in Live + 3 for the two-hour launch. The show’s first two weeks have averaged 6.9 million viewers in Live + 3, with Live + 7 data still to be counted. With Dallas ranking as basic cable’s top new series for the year-to-date, this marks the third consecutive summer TNT has claimed the #1 new show, following Rizzoli & Isles in 2010 and Falling Skies in 2011. Among key demos, Dallas is averaging 2.1 million adults 18-49 and 2.8 million adults 25-54 for the season-to-date.

About TNT
TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Dallas, Falling Skies, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Major Crimes, Perception andMonday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like this summer’s The Great Escape and the upcoming Boston Blue (working title) and 72 Hours (working title). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

OFFICIAL: TNT Renews Falling Skies For Third Season

Via Press Release:

Series from DreamWorks Television and Executive Producer Steven Spielberg
Ranks as Basic Cable’s Top Summer Drama with Adults 18-49

TNT has ordered a third season of its epic original series Falling Skies, from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg. The critically acclaimed drama starring Noah Wyle finished its first season last year as basic cable’s top new series of 2011. Currently averaging 5.9 million viewers, the series ranks asbasic cable’s #1 summer drama with adults 18-49. TNT has ordered 10 episodes Falling Skies‘ third season, slated to air in 2013.

“Falling Skies is television storytelling at its very best, a powerful drama that’s told on both an epic scale and on a deeply personal level,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “With all the memorable and surprising moments taking place during the second season of Falling Skies, we can’t wait to see what DreamWorks Television and Falling Skies‘ terrific production team and cast members have in store for season three.”

Falling Skies, which currently airs on TNT Sundays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), chronicles the devastating aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. In the months since the initial invasion, the few remaining survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back. Each day is a test of survival as citizen soldiers work to protect the people in their care while also engaging in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force, whose nature and purpose remains a mystery.

Noah Wyle stars in Falling Skies as Tom Mason, a former college professor and father of three, who has become an unlikely leader for the 2nd Massachusetts civilian resistance group. Moon Bloodgood also stars as Anne Glass, a pediatrician who works with the survivors to help them cope with the traumatic upheaval in their lives. Will Patton plays Weaver, a fierce military leader of the resistance and Tom’s commanding officer. The series also stars Drew Roy as Hal, Tom’s oldest son and a growing fighter in the resistance movement; Connor Jessup as Ben, Tom’s middle son who was rescued from the aliens and now uses his unique abilities to help the resistance; Maxim Knight as Matt, Tom’s youngest son, who wants to grow up ahead of his time; and Seychelle Gabriel as Lourdes, an orphaned pre-med student who helps Anne in the group’s makeshift medical clinic. Mpho Koaho andPeter Shinkoda play Anthony and Dai, two resistance fighters in the 2nd Mass.; Colin Cunningham is John Pope, the head of a gang of marauders called the Berserkers; and Sarah Carter is Maggie, a wary survivor from Pope’s gang.

Guest-starring this season are Brandon Jay McLaren (The Killing), who plays resident engineer and technology expert Jamil Dexter, and Terry O’Quinn (Lost), who will appear in this season’s final two episodes as Arthur Manchester, Tom’s mentor and former professor.

Falling Skies comes to TNT from DreamWorks Television and is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Remi Aubuchon andGreg Beeman are also executive producers. The series was created by Robert Rodat.

Following each week’s episode of Falling Skies on TNT, fans can head over the Falling Skies website – http://fallingskies.com – for the latest installment of 2nd Watch, a weekly online talk show hosted by Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Leverage). Each episode features discussions on the latest episode and interviews with special guests from the cast and crew, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, fan questions, trivia and more.

TNT’s announcement that Falling Skies has been renewed for a third season comes just as the cast prepares to make an appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego. Series stars Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Connor Jessup, Colin Cunningham and Sarah Carter, along with executive producer Remi Aubuchon, will join moderator Wil Wheaton for a panel session on Friday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m. (PT) in room 6BCF at the San Diego Convention Center.  An autograph signing will follow at the Dark Horse Comics booth at 6 p.m. (PT). TNT has partnered with Dark Horse Comics on a number of Falling Skies initiatives, including a prequel comic book that preceded last year’s series premiere.

In its debut season last summer, TNT’s Falling Skies topped the charts as basic cable’s #1 new series of 2011. This year, the show is off to a strong start, averaging 5.9 million viewers in Live + 7. It has also scored 2.7 million adults 18-49 (L+7) and ranks as basic cable’s #1 drama for the summer-to-date in that key demo. The show has brought in 3.1 million adults 25-54, ranking it behind TNT’sDallas as basic cable’s #2 summer drama. On the international front, Falling Skies premiered in more than 115 global markets last year, achieving hit status in the United Kingdom, Australia and Latin America, among others. Last year’s launch of Falling Skies also ranked as the biggest series premiere ever for TNT networks in Spain, Germany and Austria.

About TNT
TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Dallas, Falling Skies, Perception, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Major Crimes andMonday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like this summer’s The Great Escape and the upcoming Boston Blue (working title) and 72 Hours (working title). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Connect with Falling Skies
Website: http://fallingskies.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fallingskies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FallingSkiesTNT