TNT Grabs Librarians Sequel From The CW, Orders Season 2, as Part of Plan to Replenish Drama Slate
The Librarians’ journey has become a real page-turner.
One week after The CW confirmed that The Librarians: The Next Chapter — its continuation of the TV-movie franchise that begat a four-season TNT series — had been unceremoniously pulled from its fall schedule, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the series has been acquired by TNT, as one small part of the cabler’s mission to beef up its depleted drama slate.
More from TVLine
The Librarians: The Next Chapter Pulled From The CW's Fall Schedule
Charles Barkley Walks Back Retirement Decision as Warner Bros. Discovery Fights to Retain NBA Games
In a statement, franchise boss Dean Devlin said, “Our comeback to TNT … holds immense significance for us and we are thrilled by TNT’s dedication to fans by offering them the continuation of one of their beloved fantasy series.”
Our sister site Deadline says that beyond the already-filmed, 12-episode Season 1, TNT already has given The Next Chapter a Season 2 order.
Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment at The CW, said in a statement, “The CW is incredibly proud to have worked alongside Dean Devlin and the entire team at Electric Entertainment to create an extraordinary continuation of The Librarians franchise. We are thrilled that the series’ original network TNT loves it as much as we do and saw great value bringing it to their audience. It’s a first for CW Studios and we cannot wait for fans to experience this incredible next chapter.”
TNT’s acquisition of The Librarians: The Next Chapter — officially set to premiere in 2025 — marks a first step in the network’s plan, detailed by the WSJ, to reinvest in “high-adrenaline” dramas, after spending the past few years pivoting away from original scripted content.
The cabler has also greenlit Debriefing the President, a four-hour miniseries about the CIA’s 2003 interrogation of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Deadline reports.
That said, TNT will not be splurging on the pricier fare (e.g. the $7 million-per-episode Snowpiercer) that once populated its slate.
TNT’s return to “knowing dramas” (if I may evoke the cabler’s onetime tagline) will also involve rummaging through sister company Warner Bros.’ movie library to reboot films into made-for-TV movies or series.
The Librarians: The Next Chapter stars Callum McGowan (Jamestown), Jessica Green (The Outpost), Olivia Morris (Hotel Portofino) and Bluey Robinson (Britannia), while original series cast member Christian Kane (as Jacob Stone) and Caroline Loncq (Mammals) will guest-star.
Are you glad to see TNT return to original drama programming? And that The Librarians: TNC has found a new home?
Librarians Sequel on TNT: Everything We Know
Best of TVLine
Summer TV Calendar: Your Guide to 85+ Season and Series Premieres
Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Showtime Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?)
Get more from TVLine.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter