One month after it was canceled by NBC, TNT picked up 13 episodes of the critically-praised cop drama
Southland (seven of the episodes aired last season on NBC).
TV Guide Magazine talked to executive producers Chris Chulack and Ann Biderman about their show’s second chance, which premieres January 12.
Were you optimistic that you could sell the show to another network?Chulack: It was devastating, but we knew the show was too good to die and we, [creator] John Wells and [production company] Warner Bros. were going to find someone interested. TNT called right away. If nothing else, at least the work that we put into the [new] season...
Biderman: ...gets to be seen! And that’s gratifying. Our fan response has been amazing through all this. They’ve been inspiring.
Any new cast members?Chulack: We have two new detectives—Clifton Collins (
The Shield) and Laz Alonzo (“Fast & Furious"). Tom Everett Scott is not a series regular, but he’s back for several episodes.
What can you tell us about the six new episodes?Biderman: There are secrets revealed, alliances and heartbreak in our characters’ personal lives.
Chulak: In the first new episode, there’s a real big event on the street that happens to Chickie (Arija Bareikis), John (Michael Cudlitz) and Ben (Benjamin McKenzie) that’s pretty exciting and pretty scary.
If TNT wants additional episodes, how quickly could you be ready to shoot again?Chulack: If four or five weeks in, they go ‘Wow, we love it,’ it could be ready by spring.
Will all your actors be available if you’re renewed?Chulack: The actors are under contract until June. Hopefully the decision will be made long before that.
Do you think ultimately NBC make the right decision by cutting Southland? Do you have more freedom at TNT?Biderman: I don’t want to NBC-bash because at the end of the day, they did the right thing. They could have put it on the air with a really bad time slot.
Chulack: TNT is where
Southland belongs.