'Copper' Renewed For Second Season

The BBC America experiment has been a success.

"Copper," the network's first original series made strictly for American audiences, has been renewed for a second season. The first season's 10 episode order is nearing a close, with ratings strong enough for the second season expansion to 13 episodes.

“Copper has proven to be a perfect fit for the channel,” said Perry Simon, BBC Worldwide America’s general manager of channels. “Production led by Tom Fontana, Will Rokos, Barry Levinson and Christina Wayne, along with the cast from both sides of the pond, truly captured the boiling pot that was New York City in 1864. We can’t wait to get started on the second season.”

The series, created and produced by Will Rokos ("Southland") and television veteran Tom Fontana ("Oz", "Homicide: Life on the Street"), follows an Irish immigrant police officer played by Tom Weston-Jones in Civil War-era New York City. The series' characters and Five Points neighborhood setting is reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York," providing an environment that sets it apart from other series and leading to strong ratings and critical acclaim.

"Copper" has been a bit of a sleeper for me, a series that I always enjoy but haven't followed religiously. Good to see it's been picked up for a new season, as the series is rich with unique characters and story potential.