
TNT has ordered a second season of Perception, its freshman drama starring Eric McCormack. Perception, produced by ABC Studios, currently ranks second behind TNT’s just launched Closer spinoff Major Crimes among basic cable’s top new scripted series this year. The network has ordered 13 episodes for season two, which is slated to air in 2013. “Perception has captured the imagination of TNT’s audience of armchair detectives with wonderfully intricate cases, emotionally charged situations and, of course, a terrific cast led by Eric McCormack,” said TNT’s head of programming Michael Wright.
Perception, which airs Mondays at 10 PM, is averaging 7 million viewers (Live + 7), with 1.8 million adults 18-49 and 2.3 million adults 25-54. It centers on Dr. Daniel Pierce (McCormack), an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Rachael Leigh Cook stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student who asks him to consult on her cases. The cast also includes Arjay Smith and Kelly Rowan. Perception was created by executive producer Ken Biller and co-executive producer Mike Sussman. McCormack serves as producer. Perception joins fellow TNT freshman Dallas as well as Rizzoli & Isles and Falling Skies which all have been renewed for another season.
Related: TNT’s ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ Summer Finale Earns Season High
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These guys will just about renew anything.
I wonder what this means for Franklin & Bash. I love that show. If anything, I hope it moves to TBS.
Ugh.
I like Perception. It’s well written and acted. Franklin and Bash is an even better show and I hope it gets renewed. Fortunately Falling Skies is much improved this season but why did they send Ben packing; he’s one of the most interesting characters on the show.
Definitely formlaic and not the kind of show I generally go for, but Eric McCormick is so winning in the role, its just barely worth watching. At the same time, I wish he were in a better show.
Just happy for those that work on the show and glad it got renewed for a second season. Was worried about the last two ratings periods for the show dropping the way it did but it rebounded nicely the week after and now a season two will happen. Congrats to all on this achievement.
Granted, the crime genre’s been overdone, along with legal dramas and medical soaps. But Perception is plowing some new ground — murders and motives based in psychological or neurological anomalies. Sort of Mentalist meets House meets Oliver Sachs. I personally feel Hollywood can’t connect with average middle or lower income people or family/interpersonal dynamics enough to create anything non-genre, thus all the crime shows and crummy reality stuff. At least this one tries for something different.
This show is not original at all to me.
Many of the plots have been so similar to Law and Order or CSI type plots you can guess them a mile away. Also so cliche and preachy! Bad God believers who must be a cult, bad doctor tries to cures gays and is gay himself, (gasp). Horrible evil corporations screw the little farmer. OMG get off your political agenda, and try to write some orginal stuff.
I am highly annoyed with this show. I watched it because I really like Eric McCormack and the idea is good. After last weeks show I decided I was done with it.
I hope they renew “Leverage.” it really is the best show on TNT right now!! Can we please get another season???
Dear Temis: Formulaic, you say? Well we all know how easy that makes it, so you should cancel your appointments for the next few hours, jot down a script along that formula, send it to CAA and start raking in the cash!
You are right on that score — can always do without the simple-minded Hollywood politics, though the religious episode wasn’t too one-sided. If they can focus on the abnormal neurology and quit playing Boston Legal with everything, I think it could be an excellent show.
My thoughts exactly. All I see in this show is Spader reincarnated going on the same over-the-top political diatribes. The show has a lot of potential but after three and half shows (TiVo) I have moved on.
Love Rachael Leigh Cook on the show! She rocks! It’s a really fun and smart show.
I like Pierce’s assistant, too, though I initially wondered if he was another hallucination. Love the manifested subconscious characters — like Raines with Jeff Goldblum a few years back.
Whaaat?! Really? How? *scratching head* *confused look*, just passed out.
I love the show. Eric McCormack is great in this. I love the fact that it is NOT the “typical” legal show. I love the fact that the show centers around someone who is different and has issues like millions of real people in the world! I love it when they start and end with him talking in the classroom. The characters that are hallucinations are great. The show is both interesting and entertaining!
Best series now on Tv; watch every Monday night!
Love Perception…..glad its renewed for 2013
I love PERCEPTION. It’s different & entertaining. I’m sick of most t.v. shows & am truly ready for the new 2013 season. How about dumping the “reality” shows & give us series that don’t insult our intelligence?? Also happy that Rizolli & Isles is being renewed. Humor & entertaining characters, let’s have more of it!
Really enjoy Perception and Love Eric McCormack in it…. better part form him…. love his caretaker and all the not so real characters. Glad it is returning for 2013