Jason Lee leaves Earl behind him and switches to the right side of the law when he gets the "Memphis Beat."

Jason plays Dwight Hendricks, a quirky Memphis police detective with an intimate connection to the city, a passion for blues music and a close relationship with his mother in TNT's new summer series. Dwight feels he is "the keeper of Memphis," a Southern gentleman who is protective of his fellow citizens, reverential of the city's history and deeply rooted in its blues music scene.

Music is as vital to "Memphis Beat" as its unique characters, drama and humor. "Music is a huge part of this show," says series creator Liz W. Garcia. "It has to be. You can't live in Memphis and not have your life steeped in music. The city has a soundtrack."

"Memphis Beat," also starring Alfre Woodard as Dwight's demanding new boss Lt. Tanya Rice, and co-starring DJ Qualls as a uniform cop who considers himself to be Dwight's protégé, is produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television.

"Memphis Beat" premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on TNT.