Wyle, Lee to star in new TNT dramas

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- TNT says it has ordered a new U.S. drama series starring Noah Wyle, Angie Harmon, Jason Lee and Alfre Woodard.

"As part of a continuing strategy to expand its slate of original programming, TNT has given the green light to three new original series: A bold alien-invasion series from DreamWorks Television and Steven Spielberg that stars Noah Wyle; 'Delta Blues,' an offbeat series starring Jason Lee and Alfre Woodard and produced for TNT by George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television; and 'Rizzoli & Isles,' a crime drama starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, based on Tess Gerritsen's popular mystery novels and produced for TNT by Warner Horizon Television and Ostar Productions," the cable television network said in a news release Thursday.

TNT said it has ordered 10 episodes of each of the three new series, with plans to have "Delta Blues" and "Rizzoli & Isles" premiere in 2010, and the untitled alien-invasion series debut in 2011.

"We're very happy with the quality and performance of our original programming, and we're excited to be expanding our horizons with these excellent new shows," Michael Wright -- executive vice president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies -- said in a statement. "These three series -- ranging from science-fiction to a quirky drama to a gripping crime procedural -- are wide ranging in their appeal and subject matter. They're rich in character, with great performances and engaging stories. And with their emphasis on relatable, everyday heroes, they're a great fit with our lineup."