TNT orders action pilot 'The Last Ship'

LOS ANGELES, July 16 (UPI) -- U.S. cable network TNT says it has ordered a pilot for a possible action-drama series based on a William Brinkley novel, "The Last Ship."

"Transformers" filmmaker Michael Bay is the executive producer of "The Last Ship" project, along with Hank Steinberg and Steven Kane, who worked together to write the pilot script.

The 1988 novel by Brinkley, a World War II naval officer and longtime journalist who died in 1993, tells the story of what happens when a global catastrophe nearly obliterates the Earth's population, forcing the crew of a naval destroyer to confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they are among the only survivors.

"The book 'The Last Ship' is a gripping page-turner that has all the makings of a terrific television drama, including a great premise, memorable characters, intense situations and heart-racing action," Michael Wright, president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, said in a statement Monday. "We believe this show will take viewers on a thrilling ride and fits perfectly with TNT's expanding line-up of original dramas. We look forward to working with Michael Bay and 'The Last Ship's' outstanding production team."