MUMBAI: Two US cable networks from Time Warner, TBS and TNT, will aim toundertake a transformation over the next two years, evolving from linear television networks into branded video destinations.

Revealing their strategy for growth in the future at the annual upfront presentations in New York, TNT and TBS also unveiled their original series lineups for 2012?13. They also announced a diverse range of new projects indevelopment from creative partners as author David Baldacci, filmmaker Michael Bay, Steven Bochco, author Tom Clancy, actor Matthew McConaughey and talk show host Conan O?Brien.

Turner Entertainment Networks president Steve Koonin said, "Ourstrategy is designed to confront the challenges of an ever?growing media universe by focusing on the strength of our brands, the power ofour programming and the ability to deliver branded video content that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere and on any device. To reach our destination, we will focus on leading with the strength of the TBS and TNT brands."

Turner will cement each network?s foundation with popular, high?profile acquisitions; expand the lineup of scripted and unscripted original series to a year?round model, and maximise multi?screen opportunities.

Turner Broadcasting System president of sales, distribution and sports David Levy said, "As viewer habits progress and we evolve into a One Media World, advertisers continue to look for opportunities to engage with consumers on multiple screens and platforms. Turner?s leading portfolio of linear and digital brands, with enhanced original content, provides our advertising partners with greater reach for their messages, across multiple screens, genres and demographics."

TNT has nine original series on tap this summer, more than any other time in the network?s history. Among the new series joining the network are ?Dallas? and TNT?s first?ever reality?competition show, ?The Great Escape?. TNT is also building its originals slate with the recently greenlit medical drama ?Monday Mornings? and the unscripted series ?Boston Blue? (working title) and ?72 Hours? (working title).

TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) president, head of programming Michael Wright said, "At TNT, we?re expanding our programming horizons with new forms and new genres ? like we did last year with Falling Skies ? and we?re reaching out to new audiences.

Whatever the form or genre, we?re using what we call the ?popcorn mindset? as the guiding principle behind all our development. From a story telling perspective, that simply means that TNT?s dramas are meant to entertain and excite viewers, take them on a ride and land them safely at the end."

TBS?s slate of original programming is being developed with two types of comedy lovers in mind. "The Big Bang Theory gives us an ideal foundation from which to launch original series that target our audience of ?comedy relatables,? who like comedy that reminds them of their own lives, while Family Guy is one of our anchors for ?comedy rebels,? who enjoy more irreverent, provocative comedy," Wright said.

For the comedy relatables, TBS is premiering two new sitcoms this summer, each of which will be paired in the lineup with ?The Big Bang Theory?. This week, TBS will kick off ?Men at Work?, followed in July by the launch of ?Sullivan And Son?.

Later this year, TBS will also debut the scripted comedy series ?Wedding Band?, followed in early 2013 by the remiere of ?Cougar Town?, now a TBS original series. For the comedy rebels, TBS?s slate includes shows like the competition series ?King of the Nerds? (working title) and the newly greenlit ?Deon Cole?s Black Box? and ?Who Gets the Last Laugh?? (working title).

TNT?s scripted series in development include ?King and Maxwell?. Author David Baldacci?s characters Sean King and Michelle Maxwell aren?t your typical pair of private investigators. Both are former secret service agents, and their unique skill set (not to mention their razor?sharp chemistry) often gives them a leg up on both suspects and conventional law enforcement. Baldacci serves as a
consultant on the project.

?The Last Ship? is an action/adventure project based on the novel by William Brinkley, the crew of a naval destroyer is forced to confront the reality of a new existence when a pandemic decimates most of the earth?s population. Michael Bay (Transformers) intends to direct the pilot if it is green lit.

?Legends? is a drama being developed by Howard Gordon, Jeffrey Nachmanoff and Mark Bomback from the novel by Robert Littell. The story follows a deep?cover operative named Martin Odum, who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. But his own identity comes into question when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn?t who he thinks he is.

Meanwhile ?Tom Clancy?s Homeland Security? is an event?based procedural written by Javier Grillo?Marxuach and set in Tom Clancy?s world of espionage pits a select team of domestic intelligence operatives against enemies within and without, from narco?traffickers and nuclear terrorists to cyber?criminals and human smugglers.

Unscripted series in development include ?American Troubadours?. This comes from one of the executive producers of ?American Idol? and film star Matthew McConaughey. The reality show aims to discover the best unsigned bar band in America, singer/songwriter bands that represent the greatest tradition of rock and roll.

?Cold Justice is a docu?drama that will follow former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary as they crack cold cases.

TBS? scripted series in development include ?The Kid?. To try and get his game back, a young and socially naive golf prodigy named Quinn teams up with Joey, an unconventional new caddy. But much to the dismay of his father, Quinn learns more than just golf, as this new duo makes its way into the high?rolling, fast?moving big?time world of professional golf. The Kid is written by Donald Todd from a story by Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Bamberger and writer Jay Hass, along with David Morse and professional golfer Phil Mickelson?s longtime caddy, Jim "Bones" Mackay.

Conan O?Brien serves as executive producer on ?Zone Lord? a sitcom with an intergalactic twist. Three roommates awake one morning to discover an evil but very hip alien has moved into their building, along with his diminutive navigator.

TBS? unscripted series in development include ?Norm MacDonald is Trending?. TBS has ordered a pilot presentation of this talk show from some of the executive producers behind Sports Show with Norm MacDonald and Real Time with Bill Maher.

MUMBAI: US cable network USA Network from the NBCUniversal stable has announced a slate of comedies and dramas. It is also looking at the reality genre to boost its reach.

The new comedy slate feature comedic talent, including Kelsey Grammer, Mark Gordon, Denis Leary and Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun.

USA co-presidents Chris McCumber, Jeff Wachtel said, "The comedy genre has re-emerged as a top choice for television audiences, and we anticipate our latest projects coupled with ?Modern Family? will ignite excitement with our viewers. Our track record of provocative storytelling from marquee talent has made USA a top entertainment brand for consumers and a great investment for brands looking to reach them."

The Upcoming half hour comedy slate includes ?Regulars?. It is about a misfit group of customers and employees at a suburban New Jersey bar express their joys, sorrows and observations through karaoke.

Modern Family executive producer.Steven Levitan said, "USA is the perfect home for ?Modern Family.? We are proud to anchor USA?s next generation of comedies when we begin airing next year."

?The Dicicco Brothers? comes from comedy icon Kelsey Grammer ?Frasier? and writer Ed Cannistraci. This is the story of a promising dot-com entrepreneur who moves to the very politically correct culture of Silicon Valley with dreams of making it big. His dreams may unravel though when his colorful, blunt, and unrefined extended family arrives to "offer their support."

??Paging Dr. Freed? is a comedy about two gynecologist brothers who inherit their father?s thriving medical practice after he suffers a heart attack during an attempt at "playing" doctor with his young secretary. Along with taking over the family business, these brothers also must deal with something else their father left behind - their overbearing, neurotic mother. Trusted and beloved by their patients, these guys are professionals when it comes to women but only from the neck down.

?Sirens?, meanwhile, offers the comedic point of view of Denis Leary. His new comedy follows three of Chicago?s best EMTs whose sometimes self-loathing, other times narcissistic, and always downright self-destructive personalities make them unqualified for sustaining relationships, friendships and most occupations. They are, however, uniquely qualified for saving anyone unlucky enough to wind up in their ambulance.

On the drama side of things, ISA Network is encouraged by the success of ?Suits? and ?Necessary Roughness?. New shows announced include ?Political Animals?, the pilot ?Graceland? and the development of three dramas - Bang Bang, Rare, Mind Fields, Fallen, ?We Counted Your Knives? and the Untitled Dick Wolf Project.

"As USA moves into Upfront week, this new slate reaffirms the network?s position as a ?blue chip investment? to the advertising and creative community. These projects will continue to further the scope of our dramas with the collaboration and passionate input of Hollywood?s top talent," said McCumber and Wachtel

In ?Bang Bang? an unlikely partnership is formed when veteran hitman Danny is saved by rival novice hired gun Marco, while executing a target. This duo pair up to execute contracts, if they don?t kill each other first.

?Rare; is set in Tour which is a new restaurant in San Francisco. Part of its allure may be the chef, a mysterious ex-special forces captain who?s good with a knife both inside and outside the kitchen. Even if he tries to resist his old violent life, he will be unlikely to keep it entirely outside his new establishment.

In ?Fallen? after an accident, a cop -- known for his "act first, ask questions later" approach -- develops the rare condition of synesthesia and suddenly finds himself seeing "emotions." His partner doesn?t quite understand this "touchy-feely" approach to solving crimes, but there?s no doubt that this new insight is helping clear cases.

USA Network is also looking to extend its audience reach by diving into the reality genre with the pilot pick-up of ?Bride Or Best Man?. In addition, ?Romancing The Globe?, a new relationship series, is in development from executive producer Mark Burnett. The slate also includes two previously announced projects - the pilot for The Choir and the recently greenlit series ?The Moment?.

McCumber and Wachtel said, "As we move into the world of reality programming, we?re staying true to our brand DNA by focussing on real life characters that are every bit as fascinating, inspirational and entertaining as our scripted ones. These unscripted series let us welcome characters of all types, which will continue to broaden our appeal to audiences."

?Bride Or Best Man? is being pushed as a "bromantic comedy" with a twist; this series highlights a trip down the aisle that goes completely wrong when the Groom and his Best Man are left in charge of planning the ?big day.?

?The Choir? follows accomplished UK choirmaster Gareth Malone as he embraces various American communities and assembles a choir made up of the most unexpected mix of individuals. Malone believes in the transformative power of music and uses choirs as a way to bring people together, raise morale, and restore a sense of pride in community.

The journey is both comedic and emotional with each episode culminating in an orchestrated choir performance. Malone began his career leading choirs for the London Symphony Orchestra and since then, has gone on to win an International Emmy and numerous BAFTAs as well as recently having an album top the UK pop charts.