Stepping up its commitment to original series, Showtime added three new shows to its roster Wednesday (Jan. 12), including one based on the "Barbershop" movies. The network also picked up an extra season of "The L Word."

In addition to "Barbershop," Showtime has ordered two dramas: "The Cell," about an FBI agent infiltrating a terrorist sleeper cell, and "Brotherhood," about two brothers on opposite sides of the law. The new shows, along with previously announced comedies "Fat Actress" and "Weeds," will roll out over the next year.

"We are putting an enormous emphasis on original series at this network -- both drama and comedy -- and our development season yielded an embarrassment of riches," says Robert Greenblatt, president of Showtime Entertainment. "These shows are unique premium-cable concepts with strong creative visions."

That includes a third season of "The L Word," Greenblatt told reporters Wednesday at the TV Critics Association winter press tour. Although the second season doesn't debut until Feb. 20, the show is one of Showtime's strongest performers and has taken the "signature series" mantle from "Queer as Folk," which is entering its final year.

"The Cell," written and executive produced by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris ("Bulletproof Monk"), stars Michael Ealy ("Barbershop") as the FBI agent who infiltrates an Islamic terrorist cell led by Oded Fehr ("The Mummy"). Ealy's character is also a Muslim and is driven by the desire to stop those who are using the religion to justify terrorism.

"Brotherhood," set in Providence, R.I., focuses on two brothers (Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke), one a gangster, the other a politician. Blake Masters wrote the pilot, which was directed by Phillip Noyce ("The Quiet American").

Writer John Ridley ("Three Kings," "Platinum") will oversee "Barbershop" with an assist from George Tillman Jr. and Robert Teitel, who produced the movies on which the series is based. The show, which hasn't been cast yet, will incorporate characters from the films.