-By Marc Berman

Crime drama Southland, which was unceremoniously dropped by NBC after being renewed for a second season, will move to cable net TNT, with the premiere date scheduled for Tuesday at 10 p.m. beginning on Jan. 12. The initial deal includes the six unaired episodes, plus the seven that ran on NBC last spring.  If Southland generates interest (and it was respectfully sampled on NBC in season one), TNT has an option to keep the show in original production.
 
“This is a great win for fans of Southland and a perfect opportunity to introduce the series to new viewers,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks.  “It’s also another outstanding example of how TNT has established itself as the go-to place for the best dramas on television.”
 
“We are extremely pleased that TNT has acquired all 13 episodes of Southland, giving devoted fans the opportunity to watch a show that they passionately support,” added Peter Roth, president of Warner Bros. Television.