TNT is Bringing the Drama

About 15 years ago, the only networks that tried to create hour long drama’s were the big three: ABC, NBC and CBS. Even Fox and WB/CW (who knows what they are or were) stuck to half hour comedies and sitcoms. Then the paid cable channels like HBO and Showtime got into the original dramas like “The Sopranos” and “Dexter”. Now more and more stations are getting into the drama game. Fox has delivered quality shows like “Fringe” and “House”. The CW is hitting the teen crowd drams with a “90210″ remake, “Life Unexpected” and “Gossip Girl”.

But one network I have been shocked by is TNT. The channel was always good for picking up syndicated shows like The Pretender and Charmed (which I never watched until it was on TNT). For the last few years they have been creating quality original dramas.

“The Closer” was one of their first original drama’s that got my attention. Kyra Sedgwick plays a detective from Georgia that moves to Los Angeles to lead the Major Crimes Division. Though I must admit that I’m not into this show as I was during the first two seasons.

But recent drama’s from TNT have gotten me hooked. Many I didn’t begin watching their first seasons, but got caught up online or on DVD.

“Leverage” is a great show about a group of thieves, computer hackers and cons that act as modern day Robin Hoods. They pull elaborate cons targeting the greedy and the corrupt who have deceived their working class clients. Premiering in 2008, the show has steadily risen in ratings.

New this year is “Memphis Beat”. The show centers on Dwight Hendricks (Jason Lee), a quirky City of Memphis, Tenn. Police Detective, with an intimate connection to the city, a passion for blues music and a close relationship with his mother. His new boss (Alfre Woodard) is irritated by his freestyle detective work. And the ex-wife of whom he just can’t let go often enters the picture.

I’ve got the newly debuted “Rizzoli and Isles” in my DVR, so please no spoilers. But it looks like this show is already getting a good start. The show recently set a new ad-supported cable viewership record for a series premiere.

So be sure to check out www.TNT.tv, here you can catch up on old shows and learn about new ones. Also take a peek at their other shows like “HawtoRNe”, “Southland” (which TNT took over production when NBC canceled it) and “Dark Blue”. TNT has proven to be a real contender for original drama series.

Originally published July 28, 2010