Starz renews 'Boss' before bow

Starz has given another season renewal to its Kelsey Grammer starrer "Boss," per month before its first season bows around the pay cabler. Series stars Kelsey Grammer like a effective Chicago mayor who's hiding a going down hill mental condition. Drama originates from Grammer's Grammnet Prods. and Lionsgate TV. Farhad Safinia ("Apocalypto") is creator and professional producer Gus Van Sant helmed the pilot episode, marking his TV directorial debut, as well as professional produces with Grammer, Lyn Greene, Richard Levine, John Sher and Stella Bulochnikov. "Boss" is placed to bow March. 21 to have an eight episode run. The 2nd season order is 10 segs, with production specific to begin early the coming year. Series marks probably the most high-profile original scripted series in the future from Starz since Chris Albrecht required within the pay cabler in The month of january 2010. The first renewal is unusual though not unparalleled specifically for pay cable. Grammer continues to be producing strong early buzz for his perf within the series, which likely urged Starz to create a statement using the early pickup. "The very first time we read Farhad's script, we understood we needed to make 'Boss,' " stated Albrecht. "With each episode, the storyline increased more potent, and also the cast ongoing to show in breakthrough performances. Brought by Kelsey and Farhad, this creative team is giving us dramatic storytelling at its best. For the audiences, we felt it vital that you start focusing on the following season as quickly as possible." Lionsgate TV topper Kevin Beggs stated it had been "satisfying" to obtain this kind of "early election of confidence" from Starz. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com