Original content boost for TNT, TBS

UPFRONTS: Turner Broadcasting nets TNT and TBS are set to ramp up original programming, with new series and pilots unveiled by the networks’ president Kevin Reilly today.

Reilly’s plans for the two nets include a major TBS rebrand, a shift in focus for the TNT slate of original dramas and an increase in the development and production of original content for both networks.

TNT today announced an eight-part drama and two pilot orders. The series is called The Alienist, a thriller based on Caleb Carr’s bestseller from Emmy-winner Cary Fukunaga, Oscar-winner Eric Roth and Hossein Amini. It’s from Paramount Television, Anonymous Content and TNT Original Productions.

The two TNT pilots are Will, about a young William Shakespeare, from Craig Pearce (Strictly Ballroom); and Animal Kingdom, a family crime drama inspired by the 2002 movie of the same name. The TV show is from exec producers John Wells and Jonathan Lisco, via John Wells Productions and Warner Horizon Television.

Reilly also unveiled two new TBS projects at the Turner upfront today. Wrecked is a 10-part ensemble comedy from new writers Justin Shipley and Jordan Shipley and executive producer Jesse Hara, and will debut this fall.

The second new TBS project is The Group, a comedy pilot about alien abductees from exec producer Conan O’Brien and The Office producer Greg Daniels. It is being produced by Conaco in association with Warner Horizon Television.

“We’re on the move in a big way at TNT and TBS,” Reilly said. “We’re doing a proactive makeover of these networks. We’ll double the number of our original series on TBS and TNT over the next three years. And we’ll sharpen the point of view and be even more adventurous in our programming choices.

“Going forward, we will be positioned as much for mobile and digital growth as we will be in linear. We’ll develop a cutting-edge digital products and platforms and expand into short-form digital and branded content.”

At TNT, Reilly said there are 11 original series going into next season, including returning series The Last Ship, Legends, Murder in the First and The Librarians, as well as the new series Public Morals, Proof and Agent X. Sarah Aubrey is TNT’s executive VP of original programming.

“TNT will continue to deliver great drama and live event specials, but our presentation and portfolio will look dramatically different,” Reilly said. “As we expand our portfolio, viewers should expect some very daring shows – some of which will not appeal to all of our current viewers but will be a lightning rod to attract new viewers.”

The changes at TBS will be more “revolutionary,” added Reilly. “The new TBS will have a huge slate of originals, awesomely in-your-face and effortlessly diverse live-action comedies, original animation, big unscripted ideas with attitude, late-night talk and, of course, championship sports.”

Brett Weitz, executive VP of original programming for TBS, is developing more than 15 scripted and unscripted series to debut over the next two years. The first, Angie Tribeca from Steve Carell and Nancy Carell, will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year.

TBS recently greenlit comedy The Detour and an as-yet untitled issue-led show, both from former Daily Show correspondents Samantha Bee and Jason Jones. Also this fall, TBS will launch relationship-based gameshow Separation Anxiety.