FX SET TO CROSS "THE BRIDGE" FOR A SECOND TIME
Network Places 13-Episode Second Season Order for Critically Acclaimed Drama Series
From Executive Producers Meredith Stiehm and Elwood Reid
Series Stars Oscar(R) Nominee Demian Bichir and Diane Kruger
Season 2 Will Debut in Summer 2014
LOS ANGELES - September 24, 2013 - FX has ordered a second season of its critically acclaimed new drama series The Bridge, placing a 13-episode order for season 2, it was announced today by Eric Schrier, President of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions.
Starring Academy Award(R) nominee Demian Bichir and Diane Kruger, The Bridge is a present-day crime thriller exploring the tensions on the US-Mexico border. When an American judge known for her anti-immigration views is found dead on the bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, Sonya Cross (Kruger) from El Paso PD must work with her Mexican counterpart from Chihuahua State Police, Marco Ruiz (Bichir), to catch a serial killer operating on both sides of the border. Marco understands the slippery politics of Mexican law enforcement, and while his police force slowly succumbs to the pressures and demands of the cartel, he's one of the last good men in the department. He's charming, but also cunning as he will do whatever it takes to get what he needs. This does not sit well with Sonya, who has Asperger's and strictly follows rules as well as protocol. Her candid and off-putting personality fuels an unforgiving drive for truth. The case quickly pulls them into a string of murders on the border, a scene already consumed by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, violence and prostitution.
"We've been blown away by the compelling performances of Demian Bichir and Diane Kruger and the writing of Meredith Stiehm, Elwood Reid and their team, and are thrilled to be able to continue this journey for another season," said Schrier. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Rich Ross, Carolyn Bernstein and everyone at Shine America."
Said Rich Ross, CEO, Shine America, "We're thrilled that viewers and critics alike have embraced Sonya Cross and Marco Ruiz and that our partners at FX are enthusiastically joining us for a continuation of the wild ride in season 2."
Executive Producers Meredith Stiehm (Homeland) and novelist and television writer/producer Elwood Reid adapted The Bridge for American television from the international hit series Bron, which was set on the border of Denmark and Sweden. Bron is produced by Shine Group's Filmlance and Denmark's Nimbus Film Production.
The Bridge co-stars are Ted Levine, Annabeth Gish and Thomas M. Wright, and Matthew Lillard guest stars. Gerardo Naranjo (Miss Bala) directed the pilot episode. Executive Producers of The Bridge are Shine America's Carolyn G. Bernstein and Filmlance's Lars Blomgren. It is distributed by Shine International.
The Bridge is the #1 new scripted cable series launch of the summer in Adults 18-49. Season 1 is currently averaging 3.65 million total viewers and 1.68 million Adults 18-49. On a Live +7 basis, the show is jumping +89% in total viewers and +105% in Adults 18-49 vs. Live +Same Day.
Season 1 airs its 12th episode, "All About Eva," this Wednesday, September 25 at 10:00PM ET/PT, with the season finale set to air next week. In "All About Eva," Sonya uses Linder's latest problem to repair her relationship with Marco. Charlotte forms an unlikely alliance. Written by Esta Spalding & Fernanda Coppel, Directed by SJ Clarkson.
About Shine America
Shine America is a world leader in producing and distributing compelling scripted and unscripted television and digital content. Shine America is known for popular and award-winning original series including The Biggest Loser and The Face, as well as adaptations of Shine Group formats such as MasterChef, MasterChef Junior and Minute to Win It, and scripted series including The Bridge. Shine America incorporates several divisions including unscripted format label Ardaban and Shine Latino, which develops and distributes original Spanish-language content to the U.S. marketplace. The company also has a joint-venture with award-winning producer Nigel Lythgoe (Nigel Lythgoe Productions). The global Shine 360° division builds brands through the leveraging of its intellectual property and creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. The company has also developed over 20 ground-breaking original online series on MSN, Yahoo!, YouTube premium channels and other platforms, many produced in partnership with global brands. Through Shine Group's distribution arm, Shine International, Shine America distributes its extensive library of programming and formats to more than 150 countries. Visit www.shineamerica.com for further information.
About FX Productions
FX Productions produces the critically acclaimed hit comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, and Legit, and the late night series Brand X with Russell Brand and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. FXP co-produces the award-winning hit drama series Sons of Anarchy and Justified, and the critically acclaimed drama The Americans. FXP currently has production output deals in place with RCG Productions, the production company of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Executive Producer/Showrunners Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton, and Floyd County Productions, the production company of Archer Executive Producer/Showrunners Adam Reed and Matt Thompson. FXP recently announced a cable exclusive, first-look pact with Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and their Color Force production company, producers of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid feature franchise and The Hunger Games. It was the first POD deal for FX Productions that was not established through a prior existing relationship with the studio. FXP has a first-look cable deal with Paul Giamatti, Dan Carey and their production company, Touchy Feely Films. FXP is also producing limited series and miniseries for FX Networks and FOX.
About FX
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable channel of FX Networks, a business unit of Fox Networks Group. FX Networks is comprised of FX, FXM, and FXX, its newest channel launching on September 2, 2013. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series, including Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans and The Bridge; the miniseries American Horror Story: Coven; and the acclaimed hit comedy series Louie, Archer and Wilfred. The network's library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX's roster of acquired hit series includes Two and a Half Men, Anger Management and, coming in 2014, Mike & Molly.
Ratings Source: NTI Live+7 data
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