Kyra Sedgwick Signs on for Six More Episodes of 'The Closer'

Last week we reported that TNT execs were working feverishly to extend the life of their flagship drama, 'The Closer.' Now, we hear that they may have succeeded.

According to Entertainment Weekly, star Kyra Sedgwick has signed on for an extra six episodes of the final season, which will be used to lay the groundwork for a spin-off series. TNT expects to air the season in blocks: Ten episodes this summer, followed by five in the winter, and the extra six in the summer of 2012.

The final six will reportedly be the swan song for Sedgwick's character Brenda Leigh Johnson, while probably introducing a new central character who will headline the spin-off, which has been tentatively titled 'Major Crimes.'

Sedgwick announced her departure from the hit drama back in December, and it's unclear how, or if, she will be replaced in the spin-off. Previous rumors have suggested that Mary McDonnell's character, Capt. Sharon Raydor, could step up after she goes.

'EW' reports that 'Major Crimes' looks to be "a gritty drama that focuses on what happens when criminals aren't sent to Death Row -- the behind-the-scenes dealmaking that's as maddening as it is brutally realistic in today's criminal justice system. It's that give and take ... that ultimately paves the way for Brenda's departure."

Stay tuned for more updates.