Sometimes Your Only Hope Is Someone Who's Been There Before

A&E NETWORK(R) TO LAUNCH FIRST SCRIPTED DRAMA SERIES IN MORE THAN SIX YEARS

THE CLEANER, STARRING BENJAMIN BRATT PREMIERES TUESDAY, JULY 15 AT 10PM ET/PT

New York, NY, MAY 28, 2008 -- On Tuesday, July 15, at 10pm ET/PT, A&E Network will launch its first original scripted drama series in more than six years. THE CLEANER stars Benjamin Bratt ("Law and Order," Miss Congeniality), Amy Price-Francis ("Californication"), Grace Park ("Battlestar Galactica"), Kevin Michael Richardson ("Knights of Prosperity," "Like Family"), Esteban Powell (Dazed and Confused, Powder), Brett DelBuono (Balls of Fury, "Kidnapped") and Liliana Mumy (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause).

"I am always looking for good material to work with and The Cleaner is one of the best scripts I've read in a long time," said Benjamin Bratt. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to portray such a complex and multidimensional character. A&E is the perfect home for The Cleaner and I'm proud to be working with them on bringing this emotionally compelling drama to life."

Inspired by the true story of a real life "extreme interventionist," Bratt stars as William "The Cleaner" Banks who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions by any means necessary.

In the series opener, William tries to help Zach, a once-promising high school athlete who has fallen victim to meth addiction. William's efforts reveal a family fractured in the wake of a father's death, as well as an underground drug-fencing operation that he must crack. While he fights to save Zach, William finds himself helpless to do anything for his best friend, Mickey, a former addict whose own demons have become overwhelming.

THE CLEANER is produced by CBS Paramount Television in association with Once A Frog Productions for A&E Network. The series was created and is executive produced by Jonathan Prince ("Cane," "American Dreams") and Robert Munic. Jay Silverman and Warren Boyd are co-executive producers.

A&E is "Real Life. Drama." Now reaching more than 96 million homes, A&E is television that you can't turn away from; where real life shows are dramatic and scripted dramas are authentic. A&E offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging from the network's signature Real-Life Series franchise, including the hit series "Intervention(R)," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Paranormal State" and "Criss Angel(R) Mindfreak(R)," to the most successful justice shows on cable, including "The First 48(R)" and "Crime 360" and original scripted series including "The Cleaner" starring Benjamin Bratt. A&E is also the official basic cable home to the high-profile series "The Sopranos(R)," "CSI: Miami" and "Criminal Minds." The A&E website is located at www.aetv.com. For more press information and photography please visit us on the web at www.aetvpress.com.