"Pilot" - Nick and Pete defend a young man facing a murder charge in a case unique to Vegas that requires a slight bending of the rules and 'by any means necessary' tactics, on THE DEFENDERS, a new drama premiering on Wednesday, Sept. 22 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE DEFENDERS is a drama about two colorful Las Vegas defense attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients.  Nick and Pete are the local go-to guys with an eclectic client list who are still looking to hit their own jackpot.  Leading the law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, an earnest, hard-charging attorney who represents his clients to the best of his ability, no matter how big or small the case; and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek, whose passion for the law is matched only by his love of fast cars, beautiful women and expensive clothes.  Joining them in their growing law practice is new associate Lisa Tyler, an enthusiastic young attorney looking to put her exotic dancing days behind her; and their young assistant, Sophie, a spunky and sweet ingénue who is eager to please her bosses.  While Lady Luck shines on their legal careers, the partners have their hands full when it comes to their personal lives.  With Pete busy cruising the Vegas Strip for his latest romantic conquest, Nick is focused on repairing a fractured marriage to his estranged wife and remaining present in the life of their young son.  No matter the offense, Nick and Pete aim to prove that when the stakes are high, they're willing to bet the house on the clients they defend in Sin City. 

SERIES REGULARS:

Jim Belushi................................... Nick Morelli

Jerry O'Connell...................... Pete Kaczmarek

Jurnee Smollett..............................Lisa Tyler

Tanya Fischer.............................. Zoey Waters

RECURRING CAST:

Bruce Jarchow....................................... Clyde

Cole Jensen.......................................... Sammy

Gillian Vigman....................................... Jessica

Natalie Zea........................................ Meredith

GUEST CAST:

Teddy Sears..................................... Ada Cole

Stephen Root............................... Judge Taylor

Michael Adler..................................... Dr. Pitts

Helena Mattsson.................................. Tawney

Eric Ladin................................................. Dan

Gizza Elizonda........................................... Ana

Nick Nordella......................................... Scott

Max Adler............................................ Robert

Matthew Florida.................................. Edward

Rebecca Rose Phillips........................ Kimberly

Kim Yarbrough....................................... Clerk

Norma Michaels.................................... Eunice

Frank Sinatra, Jr.................... Frank Sinatra, Jr.

Laura Niles................................................ Eva

Angie Patterson..................................... Denise

Tom Fitzpatrick..................................... Emcee

Nate Reese.................................. Deputy Jerry

WRITTEN BY:  Executive Producers Kevin Kennedy & Niels Mueller

DIRECTED BY:  Executive Producer Davis Guggenheim

GENRE:  DRAMA

RATING:  TV-PG

On the Web:  http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_defenders/video/

Photo is available on http://www.cbspressexpress.com/

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Press Contacts:    

Tiffany N. Smith-Anoa'i                        818-655-1587                tiffany.smith@cbs.com

Stanka Luna                                         212-975-3869                sluna@cbs.com

Photo Contacts:    

Rudi Simpson                                       818-655-1545                 rudi.simpson@cbs.com

Nancy Eichenbaum                               212-975-7627                 neichenbaum@cbs.com