TNT has renewed its hit original series Major Crimes, dubbed the year's #1 new cable drama, for a second season, ordering 15 new episodes of the Warner Bros. Television crime drama.
"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… 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," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), in a press statement.
Major Crimes is a spin-off of TNT's hit series The Closer, which picks up where that The Closer left off.
Kyra Sedgwick, who starred in The Closer, has moved on, after 7 years on the show, and has been replaced by Mary McDonnell (as Capt. Sharon Raydor) in this new series that sees the return of several players from The Closer, including Detective Lt. Louie Provenza (G.W. Bailey), Detective Lt. Andy Flynn (Tony Denison), Detective Lt. Michael Tao (Michael Paul Chan), Detective Julio Sanchez (Raymond Cruz), Civilian Surveillance Coordinator Buzz Watson (Phillip P. Keene), Robert Gossett as Commander Taylor and Ransford Doherty as Coroner's Investigator.
Of note, a new face joining the cast of Major Crimes is Broadway veteran Kearran Giovanni, likely best known to TV viewers for her role as Dr. Vivian Wright on One Life to Live. She has also been seen on Law and Order and Royal Pains.
The detectives in the Los Angeles Police Department's Major Crimes division are still reeling from the departure of Brenda Leigh Johnson and the realization that Captain Raydor is now in charge. Unlike their previous chief, Raydor is determined to lead the department with a more team-oriented approach, sharing the credit with the people with whom she works. Raydor's hardest job, however, will be gaining the full trust and confidence of her detectives, who aren't quick to forget her long history of internal investigations targeting them and their previous boss. Especially troublesome is Provenza, who has a difficult time taking orders from someone he doesn’t think knows as much as he does.
According to the press release, with an audience of nearly 7 million viewers, . 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' August 13 premiere audience of 9.5 million viewers set a new record as basic cable's most-watched series launch ever.
Watch an intro to the series below:
