TNT renews 'Leverage' for 2nd season

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- TNT Monday announced it has renewed its popular U.S. drama series "Leverage," starring Timothy Hutton, for a second season.

The cable television network said it has ordered 15 new episodes of the show, which co-stars Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. The series follows a team of thieves, hackers and grifters who seek revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize people.

"We're thrilled that audiences and critics have responded so positively to 'Leverage' and made the show a solid hit," Michael Wright -- executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies -- said in a statement. "We look forward to another great season of fun and exciting story lines brought to life by the outstanding cast, led by Timothy Hutton, and the incredible production team, headed up by executive producers Dean Devlin and John Rogers."

"We had an amazing experience shooting the first season of 'Leverage' with such a talented cast and crew and with the full support of TNT behind us," Devlin added. "We can't wait to get to work on season two and take viewers on another adventure with (Hutton's character) Nate and his team."