FX is going for a ride with a new series from the executive producer of its first original breakout hit, The Shield.
The network has placed a 13-episode order for Sons of Anarchy, starring Charlie Hunnam in a dark dramedy about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club steeled on protecting their sheltered California town from corporate developers and drug dealers. It is expected to premiere on FX in September.
The show, from The Shield executive producer Kurt Sutter, is presented from the vantage point of Jax Teller, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam (Children of Men, Hooligans,Cold Mountain) whose love for the riding brotherhood is being questioned by its increasing lawlessness.
Katey Sagal stars as Teller’s mother who, along with the club's president, Jax's stepfather, has her own ideas about the direction of the “Sons of Anarchy.” Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos) and Maggie Siff also co-star.
Sons of Anarchy will be executive-produced by Sutter, Art Linson (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Untouchables), his son and producing partner, John Linson (Lords of Dogtown) and James Parriott (Grey’s Anatomy). Fox 21 will co-produce with FX Productions.
FX officials said the network originally ordered the script (formerly Forever Sam Crow) from Sutter in October 2006, green-lit the pilot last October and completed production on it in March.
“We thank Art and John Linson for coming to FX with a great, untapped arena for a drama series. Kurt Sutter took their notion and created a fiercely entertaining and authentic series,” said FX Networks president and general manager John Landgraf in a statement. “We think our viewers will welcome the Sons of Anarchy into their lives as they say farewell to The Shield during its last great season.”
