TNT has renewed “Southland” for a fourth season and has given the green light to “Perception.” You can find both announcements below:
TNTs critically acclaimed drama series SOUTHLAND will return for a fourth season. TNT has ordered 10 new episodes of the gritty, realistic cop drama, which wrapped up its third season March 8. SOUTHLAND stars Michael Cudlitz (Band of Brothers, A River Runs Through It), Shawn Hatosy (Dexter, Public Enemies), Regina King (Ray, Jerry Maguire) and Ben McKenzie (The O.C.). The series has averaged 2.9 million viewers this season, up 6% compared to the second season.
SOUTHLAND comes to TNT from John Wells Productions and Emmy®-winning producer John Wells (ER, The West Wing), in association with Warner Bros. Television. Created by Emmy® winner Ann Biderman (NYPD Blue, Public Enemies), the series is executive-produced by Emmy® winners Christopher Chulack (ER, Third Watch) and Wells. Chulack is also a primary director of the series. Andrew Stearn (Shameless, The West Wing) is co-executive producer.
SOUTHLAND has been acknowledged by many critics as one of the sharpest, most entertaining and most authentic dramas on television today, said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). John Wells, Chris Chulack and their teams created a brilliant roller coaster ride this season, with countless riveting scenes and unforgettable character arcs. We are extremely proud to have SOUTHLAND on TNT and to bring it back for a fourth season.
TNTs renewal of SOUTHLAND marks the latest chapter for a series that found a new home on televisions premier drama network in 2010, after an outpouring of fans and critics campaigned to keep the series alive. SOUTHLAND has redefined the police drama genre with its raw, authentic look at the lives and work of Los Angeles detectives and beat cops. Shot on location in the streets and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, SOUTHLAND captures an environment where similar situations can and often do occur in real life.
In SOUTHLAND, King stars as Detective Lydia Adams, who this year has faced a difficult adjustment period with a new partner and a suspension over leaked crime-scene photos. Officer John Cooper (Cudlitz) is a seasoned cop whose addiction to painkillers is interfering with his performance on the job. His partner, Officer Ben Sherman (McKenzie), came to him as a rookie but is now growing up fast on the force. Detective Sammy Bryant (Hatosy) is part of the LAPDs gang task force who is still reeling from the murder of his partner.
And the “Perception” release:
TNT has given the green light to PERCEPTION, an original drama series starring Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?). TNT has ordered 10 episodes of the new series, which centers on a neuroscientist who works to solve complex criminal cases. Also starring are Rachael Leigh Cook (Shes All That), Arjay Smith (The Day After Tomorrow) and Kelly Rowan (The O.C.). PERCEPTION was created by executive producer Kenneth Biller (Star Trek: Voyager, Legend of the Seeker) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Voyager), with McCormack serving as producer. Alan Poul (Six Feet Under) directed and served as executive producer for the pilot. Produced by ABC Studios, PERCEPTION is expected to premiere on TNT in 2012.
In PERCEPTION, McCormack plays Dr. Geoffrey Pierce, an eccentric neuroscientist who uses his unique outlook and expertise to help the federal government crack difficult cases. Pierces intimate knowledge of human behavior and masterful understanding of the mind are matched by his equally odd and imaginative view of the world. Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Rossi, Pierces former student and the person responsible for recruiting him to work for the government. Smith plays Max Lewicki, Pierces teaching assistant who has spent nine years at college. Rowan is Natalie Vincent, Pierces best friend and every bit his intellectual equal.
When we saw the pilot for PERCEPTION, it confirmed what we thought from the first pitch: Its a perfect fit for TNTs original series lineup, said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). With its blend of intensity, emotion, humor, smart storytelling, sharp direction and a buzz-worthy performance from Eric McCormack, PERCEPTION is a hugely entertaining show we believe TNT viewers will love.
McCormack earned an Emmy and five Golden Globe® nominations for his performance as Will Truman on the long-running hit comedy Will & Grace. He followed that success with memorable performances in the miniseries The Andromeda Strain, the films My One and Only and Alien Trespass and the television movie Best Thing Ever, as well as a recurring role on The New Adventures of Old Christine. Last year, he earned rave reviews for his role in the television movie Who Is Clark Rockefeller? A longtime stage actor, McCormack played five seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. He made his Broadway debut in The Music Man in 2001 and returned to the New York stage in 2006 in Neil LaButes Some Girl(s).
Cook comes to PERCEPTION with an extensive resume that includes starring in the hit film Shes All That and a co-starring role on the series Las Vegas. She also co-starred in TNTs Into the West and played a recurring character on Psych. Cooks big-screen credits include Antitrust, Josie and the Pussycats and Get Carter.
Smith earned early stardom in the series Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher and The Journey of Allen Strange. His credits also include roles on The West Wing, 24, Malcolm in the Middle, Bones, Cold Case and NYPD Blue, as well TNTs Saving Grace. Smiths feature-film credits include the blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow and the comedy First Sunday.
Rowan is best known for her role as Kirsten Cohen in the popular drama series The O.C. She recently starred in and executive-produced such television movies as The Good Times are Killing Me and the award-winning In Gods Country. Rowans credits also include roles in the series Boomtown and Steven Spielbergs blockbuster fantasy Hook.
