TNT, Shyamalan team for TV horror

US cable net TNT and writer/director M. Night Shyamalan have teamed for a new two-hour block to be programmed with horror and suspense series.

The Sixth Sense writer will curate the block, which will include Tales from the Crypt reboot, and launch this autumn.

Shyamalan said: “To be part of such a beloved brand like Tales from the Crypt, something I grew up watching, and to also have the chance to push the boundaries of genre television as a whole, is an inspiring opportunity that I can’t wait to dive into.”

Sarah Aubrey, executive VP of original programming for TNT, said: “This two-hour horror block demonstrates not only TNT’s commitment to working with today’s top talents, but also our strategy to stand out in today’s marketplace by challenging the conventional rules of programming and scheduling.”

The announcement came at Turners session at the US Television Critics Association Winter Tour.

Other highlights on Turner cable nets included seven new comedy series for TBS, including Angie Tribeca, a comedy police procedural from Nancy and Steve Carrell. A second season has already been ordered and TBS will launch the show with a ten-episode marathon on January 17.

TruTV is also making comedy moves with its first original in the genre, Those Who Can’t, following a group of inept teachers.

TNT said it is moving towards premium drama with Cary Fukunaga (True Detective) series Animal Kingdom, a tale of a Southern crime family starring Ellen Barkin (Oceans 13).

Kids channel Cartoon Network, meanwhile, has a Powerpuff Girls reboot for spring.