Just like many successful movie and TV franchises that have offered sequels and prequels, remakes and reboots, Solar Entertainment Corp. (SEC) launches JackCity—a “sidequel” to its hit cable channel JackTV.

For the past seven years, JackTV has become synonymous with providing a different kind of programming that has gone way beyond just being the channel for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and animated comedy series.

True to its campaign of offering a unique blend of programming that boasts both first and exclusive shows and the most highly-renowned series titles in the US, JackTV finds a “sidequel” or spin-off in JackCity that aims to showcase the best drama series on television.

JackCity, which went on full broadcast on November 11, is a contemporary new addition to the current lineup of free-to-air channels. Bold yet sophisticated, it offers a unique mix of drama programs coated with vibrant style that puts viewers in the midst of each story and immerses them in programs that will evoke their emotions, engage their interests, and reflect their lifestyles.

According to SEC president Wilson Tieng, “We wanted to highlight the growth of the Jack brand by creating a new cityscape of quality programming on free TV where drama meets style. Given the new set of programs, we decided to call it a “sidequel,” as this signifies a parallel channel and not one that is just an afterthought.

“JackCity is a drama channel with style aimed at discerning viewers who know what they want when it comes to TV viewing and enjoy substance and depth in their choice of programming.”

Asked how it differs from JackTV, SEC marketing executive Lindsay Ngo pointed out, “JackTV is a more vibrant and energetic entertainment channel that features programs ranging from comedies to reality shows to animated sitcoms and dramas, JackCity, on the other hand, takes the fun of JackTV and places it in a bold yet sophisticated setting. It airs a selection of powerhouse drama shows catering to the discriminate television viewer with a strong sense of style.

The channel’s powerhouse lineup of shows includes crime procedural favorites NCIS, Bones, Law & Order: SVU, The Mentalist, Burn Notice, Covert Affairs, and White Collar. Also featured this month is the newly released comic book-inspired show Arrow and the second season of the fairytale drama Grimm.

The launch of JackCity also marks the Philippine debut of Elementary and Vegas—two of the newest and much talked about shows in the US.

Elementary, is a modern-day crime-solving drama inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s renowned fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and stars Jonny Lee Miller as the legendary detective and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. The show airs every Monday at 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, Vegas boasts of the talented cast of Dennis Quaid, Michael Chiklis, and Carrie-Anne Moss in an epic drama inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas sheriff Ralph Lamb, a fourth generation rancher who was tasked to bring order to the town in the 1960s. The show follows Lamb and ruthless Chicago gangster Vincent Savino as they battle for power over a town destined for greatness. Vegas can be seen every Thursday at 9 p.m.

The two shows only serve as a teaser to more groundbreaking new programs coming in 2013 including the post-apocalyptic drama Revolution; Chicago Fire, the revival of the long-running Ewing family saga Dallas; and pulse-racing serial killer hunt The Following starring Kevin Bacon.

JackCity airs on UHF free TV Ch. 31, and on Cable Link (Ch. 40), Global Destiny (Ch. 60), and SkyCable (Ch. 84) in Metro Manila. For more information on check out its official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Solar.JackCity or www.JackCity.com.ph.