A&E GREENLIGHTS ORIGINAL SCRIPTED DRAMA SERIES CLEANER STARRING BENJAMIN BRATT SERIES TO BECOME NETWORK'S FIRST SCRIPTED DRAMA IN MORE THAN SIX YEARS
NEW YORK, NY - February 11, 2008 - A&E has greenlit the network's first original scripted drama series in more than six years with Cleaner, starring Benjamin Bratt, it was announced today by Bob DeBitetto, Executive Vice President & General Manager, A&E Network.
Inspired by the true story of a real life "extreme interventionist," Benjamin Bratt will star as William "The Cleaner" Banks, who after hitting rock- bottom from his own addictions during the birth of his twins, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions of sex, drugs, alcohol and gambling by any means necessary.
"We're excited to launch our first original scripted drama series in more than six years with Cleaner," said DeBitetto. "With an exceptional lead character, strong ensemble and superb emotional story telling, the series will complement A&E's current programming of hit Real-Life series and popular off-net dramas."
Cleaner is moving into production shortly and is tentatively slated to premiere in Summer 2008. A&E will continue to develop additional scripted drama concepts while in production.
Cleaner is created by Jonathan Prince and Robert Munic. Jonathan Prince (American Dreams) will serve as executive producer for CBS Paramount Network Television. Jay Silverman and Warren Boyd will serve as Co-Executive Producers. The pilot was written by Robert Munic and directed by David Semel.
About A&E Network
Now reaching more than 96 million homes, A&E Network offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging from the network's signature Real-Life Series franchise, including the hit series "Intervention," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "The First 48" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak," to critically acclaimed original movies, dramatic series and the most successful justice shows on cable. A&E is the official basic cable home to the high-profile series "The Sopranos" and "CSI: Miami." The A&E Network website is located at www.aetv.com. The A&E Insider is located at www.aetv.com/insider. For more information and photography please visit us on the web at www.aetvpress.com.
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