WGN America renews 'Outsiders' for a second season

LOS ANGELES, March 13 (UPI) -- WGN America says it has renewed its original drama Outsiders for a 13-episode, second season.

The announcement was made by Matt Cherniss, the network's president and general manager.

The hour-long series follows the struggle of the Farrells, "an off-the-grid Appalachian clan, and their battle to defend their mountain and way of life from the town below and anyone who would dare challenge them," a synopsis said.

Starring David Morse, Thomas M. Wright, Ryan Hurst, Joe Anderson, Gillian Alexy, Kyle Gallner, Christina Jackson, Francie Swift and Phyllis Somerville, the Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios production is to resume shooting this summer.

"We are thrilled that Outsiders has connected with fans in such a powerful and palpable way, and met our highest expectations on every possible level, thanks to Peter Mattei, Peter Tolan, our extraordinary cast, creative team and partners at Sony Pictures Television," remarked Cherniss Friday. "We look forward to venturing up Shay Mountain in search of some Farrell wine for a second season."

"It's been gratifying to watch the Outsiders audience steadily grow as viewers continue to be drawn in and riveted by this double-edged story of a family fighting to maintain their traditions and way of life," added Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, presidents of programming and production for Sony Pictures Television, in their own joint statement. "We're looking forward to another season of masterful storytelling from our creative team, Peter Mattei, Peter Tolan and Paul Giamatti, and to continuing our prolific partnership with WGN America."