Training officer John Cooper,
Southland's gay gruff cop, is heading to TNT after NBC
executives axed the show.
“This is a great win for fans of
Southland and a perfect opportunity to introduce the series to
new viewers,” Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment
Networks, said in a statement. “It's also another outstanding
example of how TNT has established itself as the go-to place for the
best dramas on television.”
TNT will broadcast the gritty drama on
Tuesdays at 10PM beginning on January 12.
Advocates of greater gay-inclusion on
television had lauded Michael Cudlitz's role on the show as part of a
broader trend that includes non-stereotypical gay characters. The
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) recent report
“Where We Are on TV” applauded the character for breaking new
ground on television.
Last month, NBC announced it would
postpone Southland's second season premiere, saying it would
use the time to promote the show. But with 6 episodes already filmed
for the new season, executives decided to take a pass on the show,
saying it was too dark for its new 9PM Thursday timeslot.
Emmy-winning Producer John Wells (ER,
The West Wing), who announced last month he would shop the show
to another network, said he was “delighted” by TNT's decision to
pick up Southland.
On the show, Cooper gave off a gay vibe
from the show's premiere, but producers made us hold our breath until
the season finale before pairing him up with another man. Season 2
picks up after the tough-as-nails cop shares a tender moment with
Caesar under a cascade of Memorial Day fireworks.
Gay Entertainment Report is a feature
of On Top Magazine and can be reached at
ontopmag@ontopmag.com.