USA Network will present six original series this summer, more than any other cable network has ever offered during that period, establishing an industry record. The line-up includes returning hit series, a six-hour television event and the launch of a new original series.
“With ‘The Starter Wife’ and ‘Burn Notice’ joining our hits ‘Monk,’ ‘Psych,’ ‘The 4400,’ ‘The Dead Zone’ and ‘WWE Raw,’ we’re looking at about 100 hours of original content,” said Bonnie Hammer, president, USA Network and SCI FI Channel. “It clearly positions USA as an industry leader, the go-to place for strong original programming.”
On the heels of Memorial Day, USA Network plans a May 31 premiere of “The Starter Wife,” a six-hour television event based on the New York Times best-selling novel from celebrated author Gigi Levangie Grazer. A sexy and wickedly funny tour de force about life after divorce and one woman’s (Messing) quest to redefine herself after years of marriage to a Hollywood studio head, “The Starter Wife” tackles the most delicious and dastardly details of divorce and recovery, Hollywood style, while at the same time being relatable to everyday women.
“The Starter Wife” stars Emmy winner Debra Messing, Tony winner & Emmy winner Joe Mantegna, Emmy winner & Academy Award nominee Judy Davis, Tony winner Anika Noni Rose, Miranda Otto (“Lord of the Rings”), Peter Jacobson (As Good As It Gets), Stephen Moyer (Quills), Aden Young (The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course) and Chris Diamantopoulos (“Boston Legal”) and is directed by multiple award winner Jon Avnet and penned by Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon (Runaway Bride). The project is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with 3 Arts Entertainment. Stephanie Davis (The Caveman’s Valentine) and Howard Klein (“The Office,” “Carnivale”) serve as executive producers for 3 Arts, with Jon Avnet, Gigi Levangie Grazer, Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott also serving as executive producers. Jeff Hayes serves as co-executive producer.
Firing up the grill on June 28 is “Burn Notice,” starring Jeffrey Donovan (“Touching Evil,” “Crossing Jordan,” Hitch), Gabrielle Anwar (Scent of a Woman, “The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines”), Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) and Sharon Gless (“Cagney & Lacey,” “Queer as Folk”) in a drama series focusing on a secret agent who becomes untouchable after unknown forces put a ‘burn notice’ out on him, effectively ending his career as a spy. He uses his special training to help people who cannot go to the police and to search for those responsible for his current situation. The project is produced by Fox Television Studios. Matt Nix (Me and the Big Guy) is the creator, executive producer and writer. Mikkel Bondesen (Catch That Kid, Solstice) serves as executive producer.
