TNT Renews 'Southland' for Third Season

NBC's loss is turning out to be TNT's gain.

According to a network press release, TNT has renewed the critically acclaimed drama 'Southland' for a 10-episode third season.

"'Southland' is a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative storylines and complex characters," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in the statement. "These qualities have made 'Southland' a favorite among critics and appointment viewing for an extremely loyal audience."

'Southland,' which stars Benjamin McKenzie, Michael Cudlitz and Regina King as members of a Los Angeles police unit, was unceremoniously canceled by NBC shortly before its second season was to begin airing on television.NBC's loss is turning out to be TNT's gain.

According to a network press release, TNT has renewed the critically acclaimed drama 'Southland' for a 10-episode third season.

"'Southland' is a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative storylines and complex characters," said Michael Wright, executive vice president-head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "These qualities have made 'Southland' a favorite among critics and appointment viewing for an extremely loyal audience."

'Southland,' which stars Benjamin McKenzie, Michael Cudlitz and Regina King as members of a Los Angeles police unit, was unceremoniously canceled by NBC shortly before its second season was to begin airing. Luckily, NBC agreed to let TNT buy the rights to the series, which included six previously unaired episodes.

According to the release, 'Southland' season 2 averaged 2.7 million viewers, and 1.4 million viewers among adults 18-49. The release also points out that viewership increased a whopping 50 percent when DVR numbers were added in.

'Southland' season 3 will kick off in January 2011.