Universal Channel buys The Closer spin-off Major Crimes

Universal Channel has acquired exclusive UK television rights to The Closer spin-off  Major Crimes, from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

Originally created for TNT in the US, Major Crimes debut episode attracted a total of 9.5 million viewers, setting a record as US basic cable’s most-watched series launch ever. The show went on to become the number one ranked new cable show of 2012, and TNT ordered a second season of 15 episodes in September 2012.

Major Crimes follows Mary McDonnell as she reprised her role of Captain Sharon Raydor from The Closer. In the new show she is the newly selected head of the L.A.P.D.’s Major Crimes Division.

James Newton, channel director, Universal Channel, said: “It is high-quality US procedural crime drama at its entertaining best and we are extremely proud to give it centre stage in the Universal Channel schedule.”

The show is produced by The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television.