Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin to star in new TNT action-drama

ATLANTA, May 8 (UPI) -- TNT said it has ordered 10 episodes of the new U.S. action-drama series "The Last Ship," starring Eric Dane and produced by Michael Bay.

The small-screen adaptation of William Brinkley's popular novel is to air on the cable network in 2014.

"The story opens with a global catastrophe that nearly decimates the world's population. Because of its positioning, the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Nathan James avoids falling victim to the devastating tragedy," said a synopsis released Tuesday. "But now the crew and its captain must confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they may be among the few remaining survivors."

Dane will play Captain Tom Chandler, a career Navy man who is described as "authoritative and decisive, but also fair and courageous." Rhona Mitra and Adam Baldwin co-star in the series.

"'The Last Ship' has all the elements of a big Hollywood blockbuster, from its epic storytelling to its top-notch cast headed by the perfect leading man, Eric Dane," Michael Wright, president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, said in a statement. "Michael Bay and his fellow executive producers have shaped William Brinkley's story and characters into an exceptional drama full of action, suspense, tragedy and triumph. 'The Last Ship' is smart, fun television that takes you on a great ride."