TNT Greenlights 3 New Original Series
TNT is adding three new series that brighten the network's star power both in front of and behind the camera with such names as Noah Wyle, George Clooney, Steven Spielberg and Angie Harmon.
An untitled alien invasion series will star Wyle (ER) — with Spielberg, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Robert Rodat as executive producers. The series picks up just after aliens have nearly annihilated the entire human race; they meet resistance, however, in trying to round up the surviving humans.
True Blood: Alfre Woodard, others join the cast
Jason Lee (My Name is Earl) returns to television opposite Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives) in Delta Blues. It's about a Memphis police officer (Lee) who still lives with his mother. Executive producers: Clooney, Grant Heslov and Liz W. Garcia.
Finally, Chuck's most recent guest star, Harmon, will lead the series Rizzoli & Isles as Jane Rizzoli, a Boston detective. Based on the mystery novel series by Tess Gerritsen, the show also stars FlashForward's Lee Thompson Young, while The Sopranos' Lorraine Bracco will recur as Jane's mother.
Thursday's addition of the three shows brings TNT's number of original series to 10.
"These three series — ranging from science fiction to a quirky drama to a gripping crime procedural — are wide-ranging in their appeal and subject matter," said Michael Wright, head of programming for TNT. "They're rich in character, with great performances and engaging stories. And with their emphasis on relatable, everyday heroes, they're a great fit with our lineup."