Trio Nabs Two `Brilliant' Shows

Trio acquired the rights to East Side/West Side and United States.

The two series will be featured as part of the network's "Brilliant, But Cancelled" month in December.

"There is a rich library of 'brilliant' shows that we feel were not given their due on network television," Trio president Lauren Zalaznick said in a release. "We're proud to be able to give these series a new life."

East Side/West Side will premiere on Trio Monday, Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. The show, starring George C. Scott and Cicely Tyson (in the first recurring dramatic television role for an African American), features stories that depict urban squalor, child abuse and racism.

Trio will air 10 episodes selected by Tyson.

United States, created by comedy legend Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H; Tootsie) and starring Beau Bridges and Helen Shaver, premieres Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

One of television's first "dramedies," this series takes on the subject of marriage and was critically acclaimed for dealing realistically with relationships and refraining from tying up loose ends in a neat sitcom bow.

Previously announced acquired series for Brilliant, But Cancelled are Action, The Ernie Kovacs Show, The Famous Teddy Z, Gun, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Now and Again and Profit.