Production starts on 'Closer' spinoff

LOS ANGELES, April 24 (UPI) -- TNT says it has begun production in Los Angeles on "Major Crimes," a spinoff of the police drama "The Closer," which is wrapping up its seven-season run.

Mary McDonnell will reprise her "Closer" role of Capt. Sharon Raydor in "Major Crimes." The new show's cast also includes former "Closer" stars G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz and Phillip P. Keene, along with guest stars Robert Gossett and Jon Tenney.

"Major Crimes" is to premiere Aug. 13, immediately following "The Closer" series finale.

"Picking up where 'The Closer' leaves off, 'Major Crimes' will center on what it takes to secure an airtight conviction," a synopsis from TNT said. "The show will explore how the police and prosecutors work together to build a solid case that will result in a suspect confessing, signing a plea agreement, or being found guilty in a court of law."