Showtime Networks Inc., Major League Baseball Productions and the Miami Marlins are teaming up for season two of THE FRANCHISE, the acclaimed sports documentary series that takes audiences into the normally private world of a professional baseball team. Last season, the series gave viewers a front row seat into the lives of the players, coaches and team personnel of the San Francisco Giants as they began the arduous task of defending their World Series title through the 2011 MLB season. THE FRANCHISE has already begun production and shooting will occur in numerous locations during the off-season, then in Jupiter, Florida for Spring Training and embedded with the team during the regular season. THE FRANCHISE is produced by MLB Productions with the support of the Major League Baseball Players Association and will air exclusively on SHOWTIME. The show’s premiere date will be announced later this year.