USA Network Announces New Cast of Characters on Its Development Slate

USA Network Announces New Cast of Characters on Its Development Slate

Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"), Stephen J. Cannell ("The A-Team," "21 Jump Street") and Tom Fontana ("Oz") among producers/writers for projects

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Having successfully launched the year's top-rated new cable series -- for the fourth year in a row -- with ROYAL PAINS, USA will continue to develop a cast of unique characters with a 2010 development slate of original branded concepts. Contributing to the slate are the creative talents behind some of television and film's biggest hits, including Stephen J. Cannell, Mike Newell, Tom Fontana, Steve Stark, David Breckman and Randy Zisk. The slate was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, president, USA original programming & co-head, original content, Universal Cable Productions.

"USA's development slate reflects our continued commitment to creating uniquely appealing characters," said Wachtel. "One year after forming Universal Cable Productions, the studio is moving ahead with an aggressive lineup for 2009/2010."

USA Network's upcoming slate includes:

FACING KATE

A new spin on a legal franchise featuring a mediator from a family of corporate lawyers. From Universal Cable Productions. Executive producer and writer is Michael Sardo ("The American Embassy," "Caroline in the City"). Steve Stark ("Medium") is executive producer.

CRASH DUMMIES

A veteran Hollywood stuntman, his reluctant son and a team of offbeat movie magic specialists. From Universal Cable Productions. Executive Producer is Matt Pyken ("Knight Rider"). Producers are Jack Gill and Steve Jensen. Actor John Schneider ("Smallville," "The Dukes of Hazzard") will star and produce. CRASH DUMMIES is produced by Reveille ("The Office," "Ugly Betty").

GOOD COP, BAD COP

Sibling rivalry is taken to new heights when an estranged brother and sister are paired up as cops in their small hometown. From Universal Cable Productions. Writer is John Quaintance ("Notes from the Underbelly," "Joey").

LOUISE CANDELL

A female attorney, whose star was on the rise, unexpectedly becomes a star on YouTube . . . for all the wrong reasons. From Universal Cable Productions. Writer is Matthew Lieberman ("Judging Amy"). John Wirth ("Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles") is also an executive producer on the project.

BUSY BODIES

A soccer mom teams up with a gay stay-at-home dad to solve mysteries in the suburbs. From Universal Cable Productions. Writer is Billy Finnegan (playwright for "Esther Damsack"). Executive producer is Jimmy Miller ("Get Smart," "Step Brothers," "Elf") from Mosaic. Producers are Sam Hansen and Ann Blanchard also from Mosaic.

ROCK DOC

A famous rock star leaves the music business to go to medical school. From Universal Cable Productions. Writer is Todd Samovitz ("Wonderland"). Executive producers are Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Four Weddings and a Funeral"), Laverne McKinnon and Mary Martin.

STEPHEN J. CANNELL/SCOTT KAUFER PROJECT

An ex-con car mechanic goes undercover. From Universal Cable Productions. From Executive Producer Stephen J. Cannell ("The A-Team," "The Rockford Files"), with Scott Kaufer ("3 lbs," "Boston Legal") as executive producer.

HOTEL DIX

An old school hotel detective is brought back to work at a modern hotel. From Universal Cable Productions. Executive producer/writer is Tom Fontana ("The Philanthropist," "Oz," "Homicide: Life on the Street"). Adam Bernstein ("30 Rock," "Worst Week") is also an executive producer and attached to direct.

GOURMET DETECTIVE

A food detective travels the world and stumbles across mysteries of the palate . . . and murder. From Universal Cable Productions. Executive producer and writer are David Breckman and Randy Zisk (MONK). Producer is Steve Valentine ("Crossing Jordan," "Spiderman").

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 98.5 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Source: USA Network

CONTACT: Jean Guerin, +1-212-664-8988, Jean.Guerin@nbcuni.com

Web Site: http://www.usanetwork.com/

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