Starz Orders Second Season for New Original Drama Series 'Boss'

Starz Entertainment has ordered a 10-episode second season of the much-anticipated original drama series, "Boss," prior to the series premiere on October 21 at 10PM ET/PT on STARZ. Produced by Lionsgate Television and created by Farhad Safinia (Apocalypto), the drama stars Emmy and Golden Globe-winner and television icon Kelsey Grammer headlining his first dramatic series. The premiere episode also marks the television directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant. Over the course of its eight-episode first season, "Boss" follows Chicago Mayor Tom Kane (Grammer), who holds sway over just about everything in his city. When faced with a terrible secret that threatens to topple his power, his true character is revealed: it's not power that drives Tom Kane, but his fear of losing it.

Production on the second season of "Boss" is expected to begin early 2012.

"The first time we read Farhad's script, we knew we had to make 'Boss,'" said Starz President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht. "With each episode, the story grew richer, and the cast continued to turn in breakthrough performances. Led by Kelsey and Farhad, this creative team is giving us dramatic storytelling at its very best. For our viewers, we felt it important to start working on the next season as soon as possible."

"This early vote of confidence from our partners at Starz is extremely gratifying and reflects the tremendous work of all those involved with 'Boss' on both sides of the camera," said Kevin Beggs, president of Lionsgate Television Group. "Kelsey's dramatic turn in this series is a powerful and radical departure from his previous television roles and we can't wait for viewers to be drawn into his fascinating world."

Creator, writer and executive producer Farhad Safinia says, "A huge thank you to our partners for their support. This is unprecedented and exciting, and I am looking forward to another season."

According to star and executive producer, Kelsey Grammer, "It's nice to get this vote of confidence. Good thinking, I love this show."

"Kelsey Grammer is riveting," says Jonathan Storm of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and RedEye Chicago's Curt Wagner comments that, "Grammer delivers a bravura performance." "Boss" gets an "A-" from the Boston Globe's Matthew Gilbert, noting "the script is tight and ambitious."

Joining Grammer in the main cast this season are Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, The Devil's Advocate) as his wife Meredith, a formidable Chicago power in her own right; Jeff Hephner ("The O.C.," "Hellcats," "Easy Money") as ambitious young politician Alex Zajac; Hannah Ware (Cop Out) as the Kanes' estranged daughter Emma; Kathleen Robertson ("Girls Club," "Beverly Hills, 90210," Hollywoodland) as Mayor Kane's supremely organized aide Kitty O'Neil; Martin Donovan ("Weeds," Unthinkable) as Kane's savvy senior advisor who helps the Mayor achieve his agenda; and Troy Garity (Sunshine, Bandits) as enterprising journalist Sam Miller, who is zeroing in on Kane.

"Boss" was created by Farhad Safinia (Apocalypto), who is also an executive producer on the series, along with Grammer, Van Sant, Brian Sher, Stella Bulochnikov, Richard Levine and Lyn Greene. Lionsgate Television is producing "Boss" in association with Grammer's Grammnet NH Productions, Roya Productions and Old Friends Productions.

Grammer, who earned a Tony Award nomination in 2010 for his starring role in the Broadway production of "La Cage Aux Folles," is a multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award winner for his portrayal of Frasier Crane in the long-running TV series "Cheers" and "Frasier." His dramatic feature film credits include X-Men: The Last Stand and 15 Minutes.

Van Sant's credits include Milk, Good Will Hunting (both of which earned him Oscar® nominations for Best Director), Finding Forrester and To Die For. He also played himself in an episode of the television series "Entourage."