A&E Greenlights New Original Drama Series "BREAKOUT KINGS" From Fox 21 And Chernin Entertainment

A&E Network has picked up the new original drama series, "Breakout Kings" from Fox 21 and Chernin Entertainment. The network has ordered 13 one-hour episodes which will go into production this fall in Toronto for a 2011 premiere on A&E. The announcement was made by Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E and BIO Channel.

From Matt Olmstead and Nick Santora, creators of the hit series "Prison Break," comes "Breakout Kings," a new action-packed ensemble drama following an unconventional partnership between the U.S. Marshals' office and a group of convicts as they work to catch fugitives on the run.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with accomplished talents such as Matt and Nick, as well as Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope; with phenomenal track records of success," said DeBitetto. "As soon as we screened the 'Breakout Kings' pilot, it struck us as the perfect fit for A&E as the network of 'Real Life. Drama.'"

"'Breakout Kings' is a labor of love for everyone at the studio, and Bob and his team immediately recognized its enormous potential," commented Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden, who also oversee Fox 21. "We've been in business with Matt and Nick since their incredible work on 'Prison Break' and we are certain this show will thrive on A&E, which is known for quality, groundbreaking programming."

Driven by the fact that there are few things more dangerous than a prisoner who has just escaped, and tired of following protocol and resorting to outdated methods of law enforcement, veteran U.S. Marshals Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso, "Avatar," "The Fast and the Furious") and Ray Zancanelli (Domenick Lombardozzi, "The Wire," "Entourage") are taking an unorthodox approach to their work: using former fugitives to catch fugitives.

Charlie and Ray form a special task force composed of the three most elusive convicts Ray ever captured: a former child prodigy and behaviorist/psychiatric expert who dabbles in psychoanalysis (Jimmi Simpson, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Late Show with David Letterman");, an ex-gang-banger who knows how to work the system - both in prison and on the street (Malcolm Goodwin, "American Gangster"); and a sexy expert in breaking and entering (casting TBD). Charlie and Ray also employ the services of a civilian who acts as the "funnel" for the group - all information, tips and data go through her (Brooke Nevin, "Worst Week"). With each fugitive they apprehend, the closer they get to earning their own freedom. Will the Breakout Kings wait that long for a payoff, or will they try to score by going on the run themselves?

"Breakout Kings" is a production of Fox 21 and Chernin Entertainment. The series is created, written and executive-produced by Matt Olmstead ("Prison Break") and Nick Santora ("Prison Break"). Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope and Gavin Hood ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine") also serve as executive producers. Hood directed the pilot.