Television
February 8, 2013
Universal Channel Acquires “Major Crimes,” U.S. Cable’s Biggest New Drama of 2012, from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution
(February 8, 2013 – London, U.K.) – Universal Channel has acquired exclusive U.K. television rights to the record-breaking new hit US crime drama “Major Crimes,” from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.
Originally created for TNT in the US, “Major Crimes” launched to huge success. Its debut episode attracted a total of 9.5 million* viewers (including DVR playback), setting a new record as basic cable’s most-watched series launch ever. The show went on to become the #1-ranked new cable show of 2012, and TNT ordered a second season of 15 episodes in September 2012.
Major Crimes stars two-time Oscar nominee Mary McDonnell (“The Closer,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Dances with Wolves”) in her Emmy-nominated role of Captain Sharon Raydor, the newly selected head of the L.A.P.D.’s Major Crimes Division. Raydor faces the challenge of earning the trust and loyalty of her officers, as she and her squad of detectives work to solve the department’s highest-profile cases and secure airtight convictions.
Alongside Mary McDonnell, “Major Crimes”’ ensemble cast includes stars G.W. Bailey (“The Closer,” “M*A*S*H”), Tony Denison (“The Closer,” “Prison Break”), Michael Paul Chan (“The Closer,” “Arrested Development,” “The Insider”), Raymond Cruz (“The Closer,” “Breaking Bad”), Phillip P. Keene (“The Closer,” “Home”), Kearran Giovanni (on Broadway: “Catch Me If You Can,” “Guys and Dolls”) and Graham Patrick Martin (“Two and a Half Men,” “Criminal Intent”).
James Newton, Channel Director, Universal Channel, said:
“With its engaging characters, great story-telling and outstanding ensemble cast, “Major Crimes” has had millions of US fans gripped week after week. It is high-quality US procedural crime drama at its entertaining best and we are extremely proud to give it centre stage in the Universal Channel schedule.”
“Major Crimes” follows on from TNT’s hit drama “The Closer,” which ran for 7 successful seasons on the network, and is produced by The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television. “The Closer”’s James Duff, Greer Shephard, Michael M. Robin, and Rick Wallace serve as executive producers on the series.
*(Source: Nielsen, Live +7 ratings data)
About Universal Channel:
Universal Channel is the home of gripping character-driven entertainment, specializing in crime, legal and medical procedural drama. A core brand of Universal Networks International, the global channels division of NBCUniversal, Universal Channel’s portfolio of high-quality programming includes UK premieres of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent,” and “Rookie Blue.” About Warner Bros. International Television Distribution:
Warner Bros. International Television Distribution is one of the world’s largest distributors of feature films, television programs and animation to the international television marketplace (broadcast, pay cable, basic cable, satellite, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, digital platforms, etc.). It licenses over 60,000 hours of programming (including nearly 6,500 features and 70+ current series), dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries. For more information, please log on to www.wbitv.com.###
Universal Channel is the home of gripping character-driven entertainment, specializing in crime, legal and medical procedural drama. A core brand of Universal Networks International, the global channels division of NBCUniversal, Universal Channel’s portfolio of high-quality programming includes UK premieres of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent,” and “Rookie Blue.” About Warner Bros. International Television Distribution:
Warner Bros. International Television Distribution is one of the world’s largest distributors of feature films, television programs and animation to the international television marketplace (broadcast, pay cable, basic cable, satellite, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, digital platforms, etc.). It licenses over 60,000 hours of programming (including nearly 6,500 features and 70+ current series), dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries. For more information, please log on to www.wbitv.com.