James Spader has no doubt been rummaging in his hat closet ahead of the brand new season of The Blacklist, which was all set to get underway on the 4th of January. However, NBC has now announced that it’ll return a little sooner, on the 3rd, making way for an explosive two-hour premiere.
Here’s what you can expect when the series returns in the new year, courtesy of TVLine:
“Following the startling revelation that Raymond “Red” Reddington isn’t who he says he is, Elizabeth Keen is torn between the relationship she’s developed with the man assumed to be her father and her desire to get to the bottom of years of secrets and lies. Meanwhile, Red leads Liz and the FBI to some of the most strange and dangerous criminals yet, growing his empire and eliminating rivals in the process. All throughout, Liz and Red engage in an uneasy cat-and-mouse game in which lines will be crossed and the truth will be revealed.”
The Blacklist started with a bang back in 2013, but has since taken a modest ratings dive. Still, it’s one of NBC’s better-rated dramas. Season 5 attracted nearly 9 million viewers per episode. Even if it weren’t a solid ratings performer, however, the appeal of being the ‘James Spader network’ is a strong one.
Spader was, of course, a tertiary member of the Brat Pack back in the 80s, starring in movies such as Less Than Zero and Pretty In Pink. Then, in recent years, he has become something of a network TV superstar. He was brought onto ABC’s aging legal dramedy The Practice to liven things up. He did so so proficiently that he got an Emmy out of the deal. Then, his character was spun off onto Boston Legal, where Spader racked up more trophies.
He was also brought in to punch up The Office after Steve Carell’s departure. Plus, dude was freakin’ Ultron.
In The Blacklist, though, Spader stars as criminal mastermind Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington, who is collaborating with the FBI to catch criminals on his ‘blacklist’ in exchange for immunity.
The Blacklist season 6 air date
The Blacklist will return for season 6 on 3rd January stateside. A UK air date has not yet been announced.