STRIKE BACK: Cinemax Launches New Original Series

Cinemax is ramping up their original programming with the new, high octane series Strike Back, premiering Friday, August 12 at 10/9c. Inspired by the UK series of the same name, Strike Back follows a team of anti-terrorist operatives working to stop a terrorist attack.

The team that tracks the terrorists is Section 20, an elite military black ops unit within the British government that focuses on high-risk, top-priority targets. When one of their own is captured and held hostage, the group enlists the help of Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton), a former Delta Force operative who is familiar with the terrorists.

Although he has good instincts and skills, his cocky style is often at odds with the more formal team, especially the more by-the-book Sgt. Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester). Team leader Col. Eleanor Grant (Amanda Mealing) is a smart, tough military leader who is skilled with a gun and diplomacy, but knows when to break a rule or two.

From the glimpses I’ve seen, this looks like a grittier version of 24 but with some buddy cop levity thrown in to keep it from getting too bleak. The addition of a female leader is welcome in the midst of all the testosterone. Watch a 6-minute preview of Strike Back, then tune in to Cinemax on Friday, August 12 at 10/9c for the full series premiere.