A&E Cleans Up With New Drama
Interventionist Show The Cleaner Marks Net’s First Scripted Entry Since 2002
By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 2/11/2008 8:54:00 AM
With the writers’ strike all but over, A&E Network will push ahead production of its new original series Cleaner -- the network’s first network scripted series in more than six years.
The series, which stars Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order) as an “extreme interventionist” who seeks to cure others of their addictions, is expected to premiere this summer. A&E executives say production will begin shortly now that the Writers Guild Of America is awaiting a membership vote on its deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The series, executively produced by Jonathan Prince (American Dreams), is the first scripted fare from A&E since 2002 when the network cancelled two crime-based dramas100 Centre Street and Nero Wolfe.
In recent years the network has concentrated on developing documentary and reality series such as First 48 and Intervention, as well as purchasing syndicated fare like Home Box Office’s The Sopranos.
“We’re excited to launch our first original scripted drama series in some time with Cleaner,” said Bob DeBitetto, executive vice president and general manager, A&E Network, in a statement. “With an exceptional lead character, strong ensemble and superb emotional storytelling, the series will be a great companion to A&E’s current programming of hit real-life series and popular off-net dramas.”
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