'Transporter' TV series to air on TNT

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The first season of the French-Canadian drama "Transporter the Series" is to have its U.S. television debut on TNT next fall, the cable network said Thursday.

Season 2 is to go into production Feb. 26, with shooting planned for Morocco, the Czech Republic and Canada. The show's second run of episodes also will eventually air on TNT.

Based on the blockbuster film franchise, the TV series stars British actor Chris Vance, whose credits include "Prison Break," "Dexter," "Burn Notice" and "Rizzoli & Isles."

"'Transporter the Series' centers on Frank Martin, a professional 'transporter' paid to pick up and deliver people or cargo from anywhere in the world," a synopsis said. "Frank is the very best at what he does and handles only the most difficult dangerous and assignments. 'Transporter the Series' features dry wit, exotic locations, heart-pounding action and nail-biting suspense."

"'Transporter the Series' is a roller-coaster ride with big-screen action, fantastic locations and an extremely charismatic lead in Chris Vance," Michael Wright, president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, said in a statement Thursday. "The 'Transporter' franchise is a proven winner embraced by movie and television viewers around the globe, and we're proud that TNT will become the television home for fans in the United States. 'Transporter the Series' is a perfect addition to TNT's lineup, as we continue to expand our reach with such action-packed dramas as our upcoming 'Legends' and 'The Last Ship.'"