“This fall's lineup reflects the unparalleled calibre of programming that makes Movie Central an essential viewing destination not o­nly for movies, but also for dramatic series,”said Andrew Eddy, Vice President and General Manager, Movie Central. “We are the exclusive first home for HBO original programming in Canada, and we consistently develop and deliver groundbreaking original Canadian series. Great drama is a key part of Movie Central's commitment to bring the most compelling programming to our audiences.”

Premiering o­n August 28, Rome follows the saga of two ordinary Roman soldiers, Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Pullo (Ray Stevenson), who become entwined in the historical events of ancient Rome. The 12-part series chronicles a turbulent era that led to the end of a republic and the birth of an empire. Co-produced by HBO and BBC, Rome 's cast includes Ciaran Hinds as Julius Caesar, Polly Walker as Atia, James Purefoy as Mark Antony, and Lindsay Duncan as Servilia of the Junii.

Launching in October, Terminal City, starring Gil Bellows (Ally McBeal) and Maria Del Mar (24, Pentagon Papers), marries two themes that dominate contemporary culture: breast cancer and reality TV. The cinematic 10-part series, created and written by Angus Fraser and filmed in Victoria, B.C., is a darkly comedic exploration of a modern family living o­n the edge.

Established series returning to Movie Central with new seasons include: the Canadian dramas ReGenesis (season two), G-Spot (season two) and Slings & Arrows (season three); new seasons of the acclaimed HBO series Deadwood (season three), Entourage (season two), The Wire (season four) and The Sopranos (season six); and Showtime original series Huff (season two) and L Word (season three).

DESCRIPTION OF NEW SHOWS:

Terminal City - Canadian Original Series

Katie Sampson (Maria Del Mar), a 43-year-old wife and mother of three, is looking forward to reclaiming her life and rekindling her love with her husband (Gil Bellows), when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. After being approached to host a reality-driven medical series, her
self-deprecating personality and open dialogue o­n her battle with cancer quickly capture the hearts and minds of viewers looking for something to believe in. But the stakes are high for her and her family as she battles for life.

Airs Mondays at 8 p.m. PT o­n Movie Central and 9 p.m. ET o­n The Movie Network beginning October 17.

Produced by Crescent Entertainment in association with Movie Central and The Movie Network
Country of origin: Canada
10 x 50 minutes

Stuntdawgs - Canadian Original Series

Meet the unsung Canadian stunt performers/doubles, riggers and
co-ordinators who put their lives o­n the line for the love of capturing action o­n film. Peter Harris Kent, Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunt double for more than a decade, fearlessly guides a team of Canadian expert stunt
co-ordinators dubbed "The Dawgs" in this exposé into the world of stunts and the performers that make the "stars" look good.

Premieres January 2006.

Produced by Omni Film Productions in association with Movie Central and The Movie Network
Country of origin: Canada
13 x 30 minutes

Rome - An HBO Original Series

After eight years of war, Julius Caesar (Ciaran Hinds) prepares to return home to Rome, but his agenda for social change has made him a target of the aristocracy. Threatened by prosecution if he returns to the city, Caesar turns to two of his trusted soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), for help. As their fates become entwined with those of Caesar, Vorenus and Pullo also become linked to Mark Antony (James Purefoy) and Octavian (Ben Whishaw), a strange and awkward child who will later become the First Emperor of Rome. An intimate drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, and husbands and wives, Rome chronicles the epic times that saw the fall of a republic and the creation of an empire.

Airs Sundays at 8 p.m. beginning August 28.

Co-produced by HBO and BBC
Country of origin: U.S. and U.K.
12 x 60 minutes

Big Love - An HBO Original Series

Big Love chronicles the life of Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) and his life in suburban Salt Lake City as he attempts to balance the needs of his three wives, their seven kids and the opening of his new hardware store. But when disturbing news arrives about Bill's father, he is forced to reconnect with his polygamist parents who live o­n a fundamentalist compound in rural Utah. Big Love also stars Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin, and is produced by Tom Hanks.

Premieres January 2006.

Produced by HBO
Country of origin: U.S.
11 x 60 minutes

Movie Central airs new episodes of the following original series beginning in September: Canadian dramas: G-Spot, ReGenesis, and Slings & Arrows; HBO series: Deadwood; Entourage; The Wire, The Sopranos; and Showtime original series: Huff and L Word.

All times PT