Sister networks TNT and TBS had their upfront presentation before advertisers on Tuesday, with new president Kevin Reilly unveiling changes for both networks. Reilly promised to make more daring shows for TNT, while TBS will continue adding more original comedies to its roster.
“We’re on the move in a big way at TNT and TBS,” Reilly said. “We're doing a proactive makeover of these networks. We’ll double the number of our original series on TBS and TNT over the next three years. And we'll sharpen the point of view and be even more adventurous in our programming choices.”
Among the new “daring” shows coming to TNT at some point include The Alienist, Will and Animal Kingdom.
The Alienist is an eight-part mini-series based on Caleb Carr’s period crime novel about murders in 1896 New York City. True Detective director Cary Fukunaga and Forrest Gump writer Eric Roth are among those working on it.
Will is a series about the young William Shakespeare from Craig Pearce, Baz Luhrmann’s frequent collaborator.
Animal Kingdom is about the surf community and is produced by John Wells and Jonathan Lisco.
TBS is hoping to add a whopping 15 scripted and unscripted shows over the next two years. The first of these new shows will air in the fourth quarter in 2015, starting with Angie Tribeca, which was previewed at SXSW. Jason Jones’ show also got the title The Detour.
Two new TBS shows were announced: Wrecked from Justin Shipley & Jordan Shipley and Jesse Hara, and The Group from Conan O’Brien and The Office’s Greg Daniels.
In addition to Conan, TBS will be airing Samantha Bee’s new show.
Lastly, TBS and TNT will both air the Live Nation Music Awards on Oct. 1.
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