NEW YORK - October 27, 2008 - A&E Network has picked up a second season of the acclaimed drama series, The Cleaner starring Benjamin Bratt, it was announced today by Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E Network and Bio Channel.
The network's first scripted series in more than 6 years, which initially launched in July 2008, will go into production shortly on thirteen all-new episodes slated to premiere sometime in 2009.
In its first season, on a weekly three telecast cume basis The Cleaner averaged 4.2 million total viewers, 2.4 million adults 25-54 and 2.2 million adults 18-49 in primetime. The Cleaner has become A&E's number one original drama in network history among adults 18-49 and 25-54, roughly doubling the audience of the previous two series (Nero Wolfe and 100 Centre Street) in those demos.
"The Cleaner has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first season," said DeBitetto. "Its authentic, dramatic storytelling combined with superb acting, led by an exceptional performance by Benjamin Bratt, has struck a chord with A&E viewers. It is exactly the sort of high quality, engaging programming that our fans have come to expect."
Inspired by the true story of real life "extreme interventionist" Warren Boyd (a co-executive producer on the project), Bratt stars as William "The Cleaner" Banks who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions by any means necessary.
The Cleaner is produced by CBS Paramount Television in association with Once A Frog Productions for A&E Network. The series was created and is executive produced by Jonathan Prince (Cane, American Dreams) and Robert Munic. Jay Silverman and Warren Boyd are co-executive producers.
