TNT Makes ‘Southland’ Move Official

The deal has been done! As of November 2, TNT and Warner Bros. Television have reached an agreement that allows the network to exclusively air all 13 episodes of the canceled former NBC cop drama Southland, which is produced by Emmy winner John Wells (ER, The West Wing).

Look for the series to officially join TNT’s lineup on Tuesday, January 12, at 10pm ET, with Season One airing first.

Says Turner Entertainment Networks President Steve Koonin of the pickup: “We are extremely pleased that TNT has acquired all 13 episodes of SOUTHLAND, giving devoted fans the opportunity to watch a show that they passionately support.”

Adds producer Wells: “We’re delighted that TNT has stepped forward to pick up SOUTHLAND. We are all extremely proud of the show.”

For those who don’t already know, Southland is an ensemble series with young rookie officer Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie, The O.C.) at the center. As Ben receives training from law-enforcement veteran John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz, Standoff), his superior’s no-nonsense approach often makes him question if he has what it takes to be an effective cop.

Ben and Cooper’s fellow officers include Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King Ray, Jerry Maguire), who takes care of her mother when she’s not working; Lydia’s partner Detective Russell Clarke (Tom Everett Scott, Law & Order), an unhappily married father; Detective Daniel “Sal” Salinger (Michael McGrady, The Thin Red Line), the leader of a gang unit; gang unit partners Detective Nate Moretta (Kevin Alejandro Drive, Ugly Betty) and Detective Sammy Bryant (Shawn Hatosy, Alpha Dog); and patrol officer Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis, Crossing Jordan), a single mom who aspires to become the first woman in the SWAT unit.

Nice job, TNT!