Nellie Andreeva

TNT and TBS have just handed out pilot orders  to 4 projects, including TNT’s planned Dallas update. TNT’s orders include Dallas, written by Cane creator Cynthia Cidre, crime procedural Perception (formerly Proof) and an untitled project from Allan Loeb (form. the Rabbit Factory), while TBS has picked up the Dean Devlin-produced comedic detective series Brain Trust. Here is the networks’ announcement:

TNT and TBS are going into production on four series pilots, including projects from such successful producers and writers as Dean Devlin (TNT’s Leverage); Marco Schnabel (TNT’s The Librarian movie trilogy); Kenneth Biller and Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Voyager); Allan Loeb (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps); and Cynthia Cidre (The Mambo Kings).

“These pilots reflect our enthusiasm for relatable but complex everyman heroes, showcased in exciting storytelling environments,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).“They also reflect our reliance on extraordinary talent to deliver on the promise of quality series television.  The writers of these projects bring great intelligence, heart and humor to their work.  We are confident each of these projects would be a terrific addition to our original series line-up.”

The following are the three pilots in the works for TNT:
PERCEPTION (working title) – Executive producer Kenneth Biller (Star Trek: Voyager, Legend of the Seeker) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Voyager) penned the pilot for this drama about Dr. Geoffrey Pierce, an eccentric neuroscientist who uses his unique outlook to help the federal government solve complex cases.  With an intimate knowledge of human behavior and a masterful understanding of the mind, this quirky, crime-solving doctor pulls lessons from an odd and imaginative view of the world.  This pilot is being produced by ABC Studios. The project was part of TNT’s 2009 development slate.

Untitled Allan Loeb Project – Executive producer/writer Allan Loeb, whose recent screenplays include The Switch and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, has crafted this drama based on The Rabbit Factory by novelist Marshall Karp.  Recently widowed police Detective Mike Lomax and his newly married partner, Terry Biggs, delve into a world of mystery, intrigue and occasional hijinks.  Lomax, who continues to receive humorous and heartfelt weekly letters from his wife a year after her death, tries to navigate the singles world while also maintaining his pedigree as one of L.A.’s finest.  This pilot comes to TNT from Lionsgate Television. It was was originally featured on TBS’ development slate announced at the Turner networks’ upfront presentation in May.

DALLAS – Executive producer Cynthia Cidre, writer of the acclaimed film The Mambo Kings and creator/executive producer of the TV series Cane, has crafted an update of the long-running series about the Ewings of Southfork, whose betrayals, jealousies and passions have made them famous.  The story focuses on the offspring of bitter rivals and brothers JR and Bobby Ewing, who clash over the future of the Ewing dynasty while the fate of Southfork itself weighs in the balance.  This project, based upon the iconic series created by David Jacobs, comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television.

TBS is moving forward on the following pilot:
BRAIN TRUST (working title) – Dean Devlin, executive producer of TNT’s hit series Leverage, is teaming up with Marco Schnabel (TNT’s The Librarian movie trilogy) for this pilot about Detective Billy Doyle, whose career and life have hit rock bottom after he accidentally ends his partner’s career.  Doyle’s life gets turned around, however, when a recent murder case gets unexpected and unconventional help from three hyper-smart geniuses from a private think tank.  If Doyle can survive the chaos and keep these new partners in line, they just may be the antidote to resurrect his career and, ultimately, his life.  BRAIN TRUST (working title) is being produced for TBS by Devlin’s Electric Entertainment.

TNT is wrapping a successful summer, launching a bona fide hit series in Rizzoli & Isles and seeing The Closer rise in the ratings in season 6 when paired with Rizzoli. The network has already renewed 3 series this summer, Rizzoli, The Closer and Leverage, with a pickup of another rookie, Memphis Beat, also considered likely.

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