TNT brings Dylan McDermott, Jada Pinkett Smith to primetime

Dylan McDermott in 'The Line'

Credit: Danny Feld/TNT

TNT has ordered a pair of drama series, each with a star-studded pedigree.

The cable network announced 10-episode pick-ups for "Time Heals" and "The Line," each slated to premiere later in 2009.

"Time Heals" stars Jada Pinkett Smith as the director of nursing at a Charlotte hospital. Her character has to "challenge hospital administrators, heartless doctors apathetic colleagues and a system that sometimes forgets it's there to serve the sick," or that's what TNT says.

David Julian Hirsh, Laura Kenley, Christina Moore and Suleka Mathew co-star.

"Time Heals" was created by Emmy winner John Masius ("St. Elsewhere") and the pilot was directed by TNT good luck charm Mikael Salomon ("Salem's Lot," "The Company"). Masius, Pinket Smith and Jamie Tarses will executive produce.

On "The Line," TNT attempts to tap into the Jerry Bruckheimer magic that has served CBS so well over the years.

In addition to being executive produced by Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman, the pilot for "The Line" was directed by Danny Cannon ("CSI," "Eleventh Hour").

Dylan McDermott, who previously worked with TNT on "The Grid," stars as the head of a team of undercover cops. Logan Marshall-Green, Omari Hardwick and Nicki Aycox co-star.

"We're excited to add 'The Line' and 'Time Heals' to a lineup that is steadily establishing itself as one of the best slates of entertaining, smart dramas on television,” says Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, in a statement.  "Our new series are consistent with our belief that audiences are drawn to relatable, complex characters showcased in exciting, emotional settings and storylines. These new series also reflect our belief that great television comes from great talent. The talent at work on these shows is among the best in the business at delivering quality entertainment."

TNT's most recent drama premieres were last summer's "Raising the Bar" and the new series "Leverage." The network will launch "Trust Me" on Monday, Jan. 26.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

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A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.