WGN America Expands Original Programming Slate with 'Titans' and 'Underground'

Expanding its slate of original programming, WGN America today announced its next straight-to-series order for the scripted drama Titans, and the start of pre-production and a writers' room, with an eye toward a series order, for the scripted series Underground. Both series will be produced by Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Tribune Studios for an expected 2015 premiere.

"These projects, each exploring a world we find to be unique and fascinating, continue our aggressive expansion into original scripted programming," said Matt Cherniss, president and general manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios. "Everyone at WGN America is pleased to enter this next phase of our growth with Sony Pictures Television as an important partner on these projects, along with such talented creators and producers."

"WGN America has made a commitment to quality programming and we are happy that working together is a significant part of their growth strategy," said Zack Van Amburg, president of programming and production for SPT. "High-quality original series have consistently helped establish channel brands with the audience, and WGN appreciates and takes that value proposition seriously," added Jamie Erlicht, president of programming and production for SPT.

A struggle for power and control set in the rugged and mysterious hills of Appalachia, Titans tells the story of the Farrell clan, a family of outsiders who've been in these parts since before anyone can remember. Living off the grid and above the law on their mountaintop homestead, they'll protect their world and defend their way of life using any means necessary. Titans is created and written by award-winning playwright Peter Mattei who also serves as Executive Producer with Emmy Award(R)-winning Peter Tolan ("Rescue Me," "Analyze This") from Fedora Entertainment, Emmy Award(R)-winning actor Paul Giamatti ("John Adams," "Sideways") and Dan Carey ("All Is Bright") from Touchy Feely Films and Fedora Entertainment's Michael Wimer ("2012," "Rake"). WGN America has ordered 13 episodes of the one-hour drama.

For a slave living in the pre-Civil War South, the only road to freedom was a dangerous journey where failure often meant death. Underground follows the slaves who set foot on the fabled Underground Railroad, the secret network of men and women who risked their lives aiding them, and the mercenaries tasked with hunting them down at any cost. Underground is created and written by Misha Green ("Sons of Anarchy," "Heroes") and Joe Pokaski ("Heroes," "CSI") who also serve as Executive Producers with Academy Award(R)-winning writer Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind," "I Am Legend") from Weed Road Pictures, along with Tory Tunnell ("King Arthur," "Holy Rollers") and Joby Harold ("King Arthur," "Edge of Tomorrow") from Safehouse Pictures.