WGN America is continuing to make strong headway with its move into original scripted programming, with a second season renewal for Outsiders – the network’s third such project. After a strong reception for its first 13-episode season, which premiered in January, the drama is now confirmed as returning with a further 13 instalments next year.
Created by Peter Mattei, the show boasts Peter Tolan (Rescue Me, The Larry Sanders Show) and Paul Giamatti (John Dies At The End) among its executive producers. It weaves the fictional story of the Farrell clan – an isolationist group that has long resided in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. As their way of life is threatened by coal corporations seeking to mine into their hill, the clan vows to protect their lifestyle – which brings them into conflict with the residents of the nearby town of Blackburg. Internal power struggles set the clan on a dangerous path, while the local law enforcement officers must face their fear of this armed, determined group.
Outsiders stars David Morse, Joe Anderson, Ryan Hurst, Kyle Gallner, Thomas Wright and Gillian Alexy, and its first season has included two episodes directed by Jon Amiel (Once Upon A Time, Hemlock Grove). It is the third original series from WGN America, after the also renewed Salem, and Manhattan – which the network just recently cancelled. That show has already been replaced with the network’s fourth original commission, titled Underground.
The renewal of Outsiders demonstrates the high level of confidence the network has in the show, as its first season still has five episodes to air. Viewers are currently in thrall of the bloodlust and violence of the Farrell clan’s patriarchal figure – played by David Morse – and as such, season two will almost certainly promise greater exploration of the tense relationships between the Farrells and the other local residents. 2017 should reveal all.
