Upfronts 05: Reilly Sets TBS Brand Overhaul

During his first upfront presentation as the head of TNT and TBS, Kevin Reilly unveiled a change in direction for both Turner networks.

For TBS, Reilly plans a major reposition of the networks brand and programming, all of which is set to begin by the end of 2015. Reilly wants to expand TBS original programming slate to more than 15 scripted and unscripted series over the next two years.

To that end, Reilly has greenlit ensemble comedy Wrecked from Jordan and Justin Shipley and another pilot (alien abductee comedy The Group) from Conan OBrien and The Office alum Greg Daniels.

Having cancelled many of TNTs current series since taking over, Reilly is planning to shift the drama networks tone. The cabler ordered Cary Fukunagas eight-part series The Alienist, which is produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content.

Based on the New York Times bestseller by Caleb Carr, The Alienist is a fast-paced and atmospheric psychological thriller set in the fascinating and gritty world of Gilded Age New York. The crime drama centers on the hunt for one of New Yorks first serial killers.

TNT also ordered a pair of pilots. Will, a series about a young William Shakespeare told in raucous style by Craig Pearce, the long-time writing partner of auteur filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, and Animal Kingdom, a family crime drama set in a gritty surf community from executive producers John Wells and Jonathan Lisco.

We're on the move in a big way at TNT and TBS, Reilly said. Were 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 well sharpen the point of view and be even more adventurous in our programming choices.

The two networks were part of Turners upfront presentation Wednesday morning.

LINK:	http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/upfront-central/upfronts-2015-re...
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