Original scripted content is the way to go in today’s world where movies are not exactly a huge viewership draw on the small screen. Of course, this means that several channels will be aiming to redefine themselves in the years to come and that strangely includes premium networks that have seemed to relish the status quo for years. One of the more interesting developments to come out of this change in mindset is Cinemax who recently decided that they need serialized programming to continue to attract new subscribers particularly when the bulk of their films end up on HBO or Showtime soon after a run on their channel.
The initial foray into scripted programming for Cinemax went smoothly enough to offer a second season. While largely unimpressive, Strike Back was exactly what the premium network believed it had to offer: a high-octane action series first and foremost. Of course, this was not the home run-type of ace television show programmers can set up shop around so the network executives have no choice but to keep on trying with jabs at a Transporter television series (which looks awful by the way) and a show called Hunted that will remind plenty people of a Bourne/Salt-type of movie at least in tone.
While Hunted looks promising, the program most prominent on our radar is one called Banshee. Coming in January 2013, the show will center around a small town in Amish country and an ex-con who poses as a murdered sheriff to promote his own agenda. If that was not enough to drum up interest, True Blood creator Alan Ball is on board as the show’s executive producer; however, it bears mentioning that the creators of Banshee are Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler.