'Leverage' gets fifth season renewal from TNT

[ntscuser]

TNT has ordered a fifth season of crime drama Leverage.



The series has seen an unprecedented ratings climb in its current fourth season, leading the network to order a 15-episode fifth season for summer 2012.

"While many shows decline in their second, third or fourth seasons, Leverage has defied the odds and continued to climb," TNT vice president Michael Wright announced. "More and more viewers are discovering this weekly joy ride through wonderfully complex schemes and con games, all brought to life through smart writing, sharp directing, and a terrific cast."

The series stars Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton opposite an ensemble cast including Gina Bellman, Beth Riesgraf, Christian Kane and Aldis Hodge.

"We're still all best friends, and that just doesn't happen on TV shows," Kane told News OK recently. "It's a very tight-knit cast. I mean we are closer than the actual characters on the show."

The fourth season of Leverage has seen guest appearances from Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover and Mad Men actor Michael Gladis.

Leverage continues with a double airing on August 14 at 8pm on TNT.