The cop show, starring The O.C.'s Benjamin McKenzie, was dropped by NBC in October, just before its second season was set to premiere (ostensibly a casualty of The Jay Leno Show, which airs every weeknight and thus creates a primetime-timeslot shortage).

But TNT came to Southland's rescue, closing a deal to acquire the critically acclaimed show.

Southland's entire series to date -- including season 2's six unaired episodes -- will premiere on TNT Jan. 12.

""This is a great win for fans of Southland and a perfect opportunity to introduce the series to new viewers,"" said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. ""It's also another outstanding example of how TNT has established itself as the go-to place for the best dramas on television.""