CineMax plans to keep 'Hunted' alive post-BBC

After BBC One decided not to renew the Melissa George drama vehicle 'Hunted' for a second season, their broadcast partner and American distributor has stepped up to keep the series alive. It seems that the espionage drama as we know it will cease to exist, but CineMax is now working on a new incarnation of spy Sam Hunter's (Melissa George) story.

Kary Antholis, President of HBO Miniseries and CineMax Programming, announced that the network is "making plans with creator and executive producer Frank Spotnitz and star Melissa George to present a new chapter in the Sam Hunter mythology." When pressed for comment by Deadline.com, Antholis added that CineMax is pleased with 'Hunted' as a series and a project and that the network is "very excited about what lies ahead."

While 'Hunted' consistently garnered rave reviews from critics, the series only posted modest ratings figures over its initial season, prompting BBC One to let the series option expire. Without BBC's involvement, CineMax now must step in to undertake production from British company Kudos Film and Television. By producing the next step in the project themselves, CineMax and 'Hunted' creator Frank Spotnitz can now further explore the Sam Hunter mythos while retaining creative control that was previously the purview of the BBC.

Spotnitz, best known for his work on the smash hit 'The X-Files' which ran for an impressive nine seasons, is quite pleased that CineMax has stepped up to keep 'Hunted' alive. Reportedly, Spotnitz has already been writing scripts for an upcoming season of the program, noting that he expected the show to be renewed. No stranger to secrets and intrigue, Spotnitz' 'Hunted' stars Melissa George as an operative for an elite private intelligence firm who survives an attempt on her life that may have been orchestrated by members of her own team.

No matter what incarnation we find Sam Hunter in next season, the creator and star of 'Hunted' both remain on board and passionate about the project. More on this interesting jump as it develops.