WarnerMedia is doing a bit of shuffling with its properties and we can figure out a bit of its new strategy through the recent upfront announcements.

TBS will now no longer just be comedy-focused. It is expanding into drama and is taking on the long-gestating Snowpiercer from its sibling, TNT, which is also going through a facelift right now.

The futuristic thriller series, starring Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connelly, will be the first foray into drama for TBS. It has already been renewed for a second season ahead of its season 1 debut, which is now set for Spring 2020.

“Snowpiercer is the perfect show to kick-off TBS’ entry into dramas with intricate storytelling, stunning visuals and first-class acting,” said Brett Weitz, general manager for TBS and TNT. “We believe in the longevity of this series and that audiences will be amazed by the fantastical world that brings to life such relevant social, political and environmental issues.”

The description of the series, based on the 2013 film starring Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton (and the graphic novel that preceded that): Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually-moving train that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation.

In addition to Connelly and Diggs, season one of Snowpiercer will star Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Susan Park, Iddo Goldberg, Katie McGuinness, Lena Hall, Annalise Basso, Sam Otto, Roberto Urbina, Sheila Vand and Jaylin Fletcher. Rowan Blanchard, who recurs in season 1, will be a series regular for Season 2.

TNT, which passed on some high-profile pilots recently, also canceled the comedies Wrecked and Angie Tribeca.

READ MORE:

Futuristic thriller ‘Snowpiercer’ picked up to series at TNT — stars Daveed Diggs

Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images for SAGindie

Annalise Basso

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