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.