Nellie Andreeva

TNT has started its renewals with a fourth season order to its new flagship series, Rizzoli & Isles, and a second season pickup of freshman Dallas. Both have received 15-episode orders to air in 2013.

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After excelling behind The Closer on Mondays, Rizzoli & Isles has drawn 7.1 million viewers in its new Tuesday 9 PM timeslot and ranks as summer’s #1 returning scripted series on basic cable. “Anchoring a new night in its third season, Rizzoli & Isles has proven itself to be a strong and enduring hit, not only in terms of the great storylines and performances, but also in terms of the show’s stellar ratings,” said TNT’s head of programming Michael Wright. Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander star in Rizzoli & Isles, which was developed for television by executive producer Janet Tamaro from characters created by best-selling crime novelist Tess Gerritsen. Warner Horizon Television is producing, with Janet Tamaro and Bill Haber and Michael Katleman exec producing.

Dallas, also from Horizon Television, is basic cable’s #1 new series in total viewers, and currently averages 6.9 million viewers in its first season. Understandably, given the fact that it is a followup to a 1980s series, it is older-skewing. “Dallas has been a success for us on every level: pitch-perfect writing, smart directing and buzz-worthy performances by a new generation of stars and their iconic counterparts,” Wright said. Currently airing Wednesdays at 9 PM, Dallas stars Josh Henderson as John Ross, the son of J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing; Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher, Bobby’s adopted son; Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, John Ross’ girlfriend; Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter, Christopher’s wife; and Brenda Strong as Bobby’s wife, Ann. They are joined by the original series’ stars: Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing. Writer Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin serve as executive producers.

Of TNT’s other two series currently on the air, Falling Skies also will likely get a renewal, while the prospects for Franklin & Bash have brightened after a recent ratings uptick but the network will probably give it some more time.

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