Here’s the full press release from truTV, issued today, Aug. 15, 2012:

New Series Marks Expansion of truTV’s Popular ‘Hardcore Pawn’ Franchise

truTV’s enormously popular “Hardcore Pawn” franchise is about to expand with an all-new series set in Chicago. The network has greenlit “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago,” which comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment (“The Catalina” and “The Devils Ride”), with Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey serving as executive producers. truTV has ordered nine half-hour episodes of the series, which is set to premiere later this year.

“Hardcore Pawn: Chicago” takes viewers behind the scenes at "the baddest pawn shop in Chicago." One of the city’s largest and oldest establishments in the pawn and gold-buying business, Royal Pawn Shop is owned by Randy and Wayne Cohen, two brothers who don’t always see eye to eye, except when it comes to finding the best deals for the business. These over-the-top siblings will wheel and deal with just about anyone, from a sweet kindergarten teacher to an intimidating mob boss.

"If you’ve ever spent any time in a pawnshop, you’ve probably seen some of the outrageous characters who come through the doors … or work behind the counter," said Marc Juris, executive vice president and COO of truTV. "’Hardcore Pawn: Chicago’ takes things to a whole new level, thanks to Randy and Wayne’s over-the-top personalities and the wild antics of some of their customers."

“Hardcore Pawn: Chicago” is the second entry in truTV’s “Hardcore Pawn” franchise. The original “Hardcore Pawn,” which is set at American Jewelry & Loan in Detroit, continues to be truTV’s most popular series. Now in its sixth season, with new episodes each Tuesday at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), “Hardcore Pawn” is averaging 2.5 million viewers this summer. The show ranks among basic cable’s Top 5 programs in its timeslot with key adult and male demos.