"Closer" spinoff in the works at TNT

By Kimberly Nordyke

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Hit cable drama "The Closer" is eyeing a spinoff.

The forces behind the TNT series, including creator/executive producer James Duff, are working on a spinoff of the cop drama, which stars Kyra Sedgwick as a deputy police chief who has a love-hate relationship with junk food.

It's unclear whether the untitled spinoff -- referred to in industry circles as "The Fixer" -- would focus on an existing "Closer" character or an altogether new one. Duff is co-writing the story with "Closer" co-executive producer Adam Belanoff and Michael Berchem.

TNT confirmed that it has ordered a script for the spinoff but declined comment on other details.

"Closer" has become a ratings powerhouse for TNT, setting several cable ratings records, starting with its debut, which in 2005 became the most-watched series premiere on ad-supported cable. The record has since been broken, but "Closer" still ranks No. 3 on that list.

Sedgwick has won a Golden Globe for her role and is up for an Emmy -- her third nomination -- this month.

TNT is the latest network to explore a spinoff from its top series. CBS twice spun its hit crime drama "CSI." ABC's spinoff from "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," is returning for a second season, while "The Cleveland Show," Fox's spinoff from "Family Guy," launches in midseason. Additionally, NBC is working on a spinoff from "The Office," and Fox and the CW are eyeing potential offshoots of "House" and "Gossip Girl," respectively.

On cable, Showtime is prepping a spinoff of "The L Word," and the Sci Fi Channel is piloting a prequel to its signature series "Battlestar Galactica."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter