'Banshee'

From executive producer Alan Ball ("True Blood") comes this new action drama about a thief and ex-con (Antony Starr), who, through a series of circumstances, ends up assuming the identity of the sheriff of Banshee, Pa. And since it's on cable, there's some nudity right off the bat and a "how did they film that" chase sequence. Oh, and violence, lots of violence. Series premiere, 10 p.m. Friday on Cinemax (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

Doug Knoop, Seattle Times staff

dknoop@seattletimes.com or on Twitter @dougknoop

Also on Friday

"Undercover Boss," 8 p.m. (CBS): Kampgrounds of America CEO Jim Rogers goes undercover and witnesses a staff member being confronted by a difficult guest.

"A.N.T. Farm," 8 p.m., (Disney): After Principal Skidmore retires, Chyna's grandmother, Gladys, becomes the school principal. But after Chyna's grandmother continues to embarrass her at school, she tries to get Principal Skidmore back in her old job.

"Malibu Country," 8:31 p.m. (ABC): While planning Kim's baby shower, Reba is taped saying some unkind words about her; June tries to deal with her crush on Sage; Lillie Mae helps Cash get girls to notice him.

"Fringe," 9 p.m. (Fox): Walter enters the deprivation tank in hopes of uncovering information about Donald; Capt. Windmark embarks on a revealing mission.

"Mystery Diners," 10 p.m. (Food): A lovers' quarrel between two employees affects sales at Marché Bacchus.

"Merlin," 10 p.m. (Syfy): Merlin fears that he cannot sway Arthur from his chosen path as ancient prophecies about Mordred may come true.

The New York Times