TBS, TNT trying to play on same field with major broadcasters

NEW YORK - The Atlanta-based Turner cable networks want to play with the big boys.

TNT, TBS and TruTV have announced their most ambitious plans for original programming ever and, for the first time, will present new schedules to advertisers the same week as the broadcast networks in May.

TNT has 14 new series in development, the network said Monday. Within two years, the drama-oriented network plans to have all original series in prime-time for at least three days a week.

TNT has gradually added new series like ``Saving Grace'' and ``The Closer'' to a schedule dominated by reruns of long-dead broadcast network shows.

Two new shows already given the go-ahead are ``Raising the Bar,'' a legal thriller produced by Steven Bochco, and ``Leverage,'' which stars Timothy Hutton leading a group of high-tech Robin Hoods. Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh are featured in ``Truth in Advertising,'' about an ad firm in Chicago.

TBS is more reliant on reruns but considers that a strength, given the dearth of popular new sitcoms. Five of the eight new series it has in development are for late-night, including a revival of the game show ``Match Game.''

TruTV, the former Court TV that now concentrates on real-life series, has 10 projects in development. They include series that follow the lives of a school principal, ski patrol member, helicopter rescue pilot in Maui and news helicopter pilot in Los Angeles.