Absentia: Five reasons for TNT to pick up Stana Katic series

A few days following its debut at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, and we remain in a holding pattern regarding the Sony – Stana Katic series Absentia. While the show has started to find homes for itself in Canada (Showcase) and on some AXN networks in Europe, there is no word on an American TV home. As a dual citizen with access to Canadian television, this is not a huge problem for us; however, for others it understandably is and it’d be hugely beneficial to see it resolved sooner rather than later.

Do we think there are interested parties? Sure, and for the same of this article, we want to highlight a network that should be interested (we can’t speak to if they are): TNT. The cable network is known for drama (hence their use of the “We Know Drama” tagline for many years), and they’ve also told many stories about strong women in and around law enforcement. Take a look at The Closer and Major Crimes.

Beyond just that, though, we’ve come up with five other reasons why TNT would be the ideal Absentia home, whether it premiere there this fall or at some other point.

1. Castle audience – The network has been a syndicated home for Katic’s previous series, and there is already a fan base there. Why not extend that with something new and original. It would take less effort to introduce the show into this network home than others.

2. Tonal similarities – While TNT was once known for procedurals, they have since moved on into more serialized fare with Animal Kingdom, The Last Ship, and Claws. Absentia fits that billing, though it has the law-enforcement angles that fans of the network of old will appreciate it, as well.

3. Social buzz – We would expect the show to play very well if it’s marketed similar to how we’ve seen it tackled on social media — everyone loves a good mystery show, especially in the social media age. TNT absolutely could use some more shows that are social-media friendly.

4. Ratings expectations – Absentia should be a great creative fit and a fairly-instant commercial hit for this network, especially if that aforementioned social campaign plays well.

5. Edgier material – Let’s face it — there’s more crazy stuff that can be done on cable than on your standard network show.

Bonus reason – It’s a show that will make many people entertained out there. We’ve seen the first episode, and while we can’t say anything about it or give any plot elements away, we do think that Stana fans old and new will be happy with the end result.

Do you want to see Absentia make it onto TNT in the future? Share in the comments below!

Meanwhile, head over here in the event you want to give some other news and updates right now when it comes to the show. (Photo: Sony.)