Cinemax has issued a 10-episode series order for Banshee, which is executive produced by True Blood creator Alan Ball.

Jonathan Toppler and David Schickler wrote the pilot script, which centers on an ex-con and master thief who assumes the identity of Banshee, Pennsylvania's sheriff. He continues with his criminal activities as the sheriff, even though he's being hunted down by a criminal organization who he betrayed a year ago. The series is described as a cross between Walking Tall and A History of Violence.

Greg Yaitanes will direct the pilot episode and will executive produce alongside Alan Ball, Jonathan Toppler, David Schickler, and Peter Macdissi.

Production will begin sometime this spring, on location in Charlotte, North Carolina. Banshee will premiere on Cinemax in 2013.