Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network will advance the 'Characters Welcome' brand by inviting a CIA linguist, an inner city trauma surgeon and a salesman turned morgue investigator among others to join the ambitious development slate for the 2008-09 season. A slate of three new pilot scripts, COVERT AFFAIRS, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and STIFFS, were announced today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions.

"Our development slate continues our commitment to creating uniquely appealing characters," said Wachtel. "Our goal at USA is not only to become the #1 destination for quality programming in basic cable, but to become the premiere brand across all media platforms."

USA was the #1 cable network in 2Q08, delivering more P25-54, P18-49, total viewers and households than any other network in basic cable prime. This marks the eighth consecutive quarter won by the network among ad-supported entertainment networks for P25-54, P18-49, total viewers, and households. Currently the network is on track to retain the title this year, which will mark three consecutive years as #1.

USA Network's upcoming slate includes:

COVERT AFFAIRS (working title)

For Annie, love seems to be have been lost in translation. A well-traveled linguist training at the CIA, Annie gets called up to Langley headquarters when her unique specialties are required in solving a critical case. Upon arrival, she's shocked to meet her new partner, Ben, the man who broke her heart when he unceremoniously dumped her many years ago -- when he couldn't disclose his joining the CIA. Being forced to work together reveals that there's clearly still strong chemistry, but for now, Ben's engagement to another woman dampens any smoldering possibility of a rekindled relationship. From Universal Cable Studios, written and co-executive produced by Matt Corman ("Deck the Halls") and Chris Ord ("Deck the Halls"). Dave Bartis ("Knight Rider") and Doug Liman ("Knight Rider," the "Bourne" trilogy) are Executive Producers through their company, Dutch Oven.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (working title)

A top female trauma surgeon returns home from the horrors of Iraq to take a job at an inner-city hospital. As she immediately sets about saving lives, she quickly realizes that her battlefield exercises hardly prepared her for the ludicrous bureaucratic minefields of today's public health system and the romantic war games she's about to engage. From Conaco and Universal Cable Studios, written and executive produced by Judd Pillot and John Peaslee ("According To Jim," "8 Simple Rules," "Just Shoot Me"). Executive produced by Conan O'Brien ("Andy Barker, P.I."). and David Kissinger ("Andy Barker, P.I.").

STIFFS (working title)

Jack is a charming, fast-talking salesman whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly becomes a single father. Making mature, responsible choices doesn't come easy for Jack, but he decides to work nights so he can spend quality time with daughter Chloe during the day. The term nightshift takes on new meaning when Jack finds himself at the morgue transporting bodies, a job arranged by his brother Charlie -- a shy but brilliant medical examiner who continually buries his instinct that some "accidents" are in fact, murders. Soon, Jack's impetuousness forces Charlie to pursue those instincts, leading them to investigate these homicides and ensure that their victims find justice. Written and co-executive produced by Craig O'Neill (USA's "BURN NOTICE") and Jason Tracey (USA's BURN NOTICE"). Executive produced by Peter Guber ("Into the Blue," "Batman") and Elizabeth Stephen ("Brotherhood").

USA's previously announced project ROYAL PAINS (working title) is being produced as a pilot starring Mark Feuerstein ("Good Morning, Miami") and directed by Jace Alexander (USA's "BURN NOTICE", and WHITE COLLAR (working title) is a cast-contingent pilot.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site 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

LOS ANGELES, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- IN PLAIN SIGHT, USA Network's newest original scripted series, will return for a second season with series star Mary McCormack ("The West Wing," "Private Parts") returning. The series, created/written/executive produced by David Maples ("Home Improvement," "Huff") and executive produced by Paul Stupin ("Dawson's Creek," "Beautiful People"), has been given a 16-episode order and will start production in October. IN PLAIN SIGHT will once again be shot entirely on location in and around Albuquerque, NM. The announcement was made today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions.

IN PLAIN SIGHT has been a tremendous ratings success for USA and is currently the #1 new scripted series of 2008 (to date). Across seven weeks, the show has averaged 2.21 million in P18-49, 2.56 million in P25-54 and 5.22 million total viewers. Since the show has been on the air (June 1 - July 13), USA has been the #1 cable network in the Sunday 10-11pm time period among all three demos. In addition, among P18-49 and P25-54 USA ranks ahead of CBS in the time slot. The most recent episode of IN PLAIN SIGHT on July 13 was the most-watched since the series premiere and was up +20% in P18-49, +13% in P25-54 and +11% in total viewers from the prior week.

IN PLAIN SIGHT stars Mary McCormack ("The West Wing," "Private Parts") as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly-secretive branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC) who relocates Federal Witnesses - many of whom are career criminals, and many who are innocents that had the misfortune of witnessing a crime. They all have one thing in common - someone wants them dead. Mary's job is to make sure that doesn't happen, while at the same time attempt to manage her own dysfunctional family. In Plain Sight comes from Universal Cable Productions.

For photos of IN PLAIN SIGHT, as well as all USA Network projects, please log on to the NBC Universal Media Village at http://www.nbcumv.com/ .

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site 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

LOS ANGELES, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network's award-winning hit series, MONK, will air its 100th episode this summer during its seventh season on the network. The special episode will feature an all-star guest-cast, including many who have previously appeared in some of the show's most memorable episodes. Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Tony Shalhoub stars as the titular obsessive-compulsive detective in a series that has cleaned up as a ratings performer at USA since its premiere in 2002. On the verge of reaching its 100th episode - a nice, round number that would meet with Adrian Monk's approval - the program has cultivated a loyal following of fans and critics alike. The landmark episode will air on Friday, September 5 at 9/8c. The announcement was made by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions.

In addition to attracting a fanatically loyal viewing audience, MONK has been a virtual launch pad for guest star Emmys, with four nominations and two wins over the past three seasons. In the 100th episode, aptly named "Mr. Monk's 100th Case," a magazine news show, "In Focus," covers Adrian Monk's handling of a serial killer case where four people are murdered. When the gang, including Stottlemeyer, Disher and Natalie gathers for a viewing party to watch the serial killer segment, Monk sees the interviews of his closest friends and adversaries and realizes that something about the case leaves him unsettled.

Guest-starring in the episode are Eric McCormack ("Will & Grace," "The Andromeda Strain") as "In Focus" reporter James Curry and Kathryn Joosten ("Desperate Housewives," "The West Wing") as Monk's former babysitter. Returning in their recurring - and memorable - roles are John Turturro (who won an Emmy for his role) as Monk's agoraphobic brother, Ambrose; Jarrad Paul as Monk's neighbor Kevin Dorfman; and Tim Bagley as Monk's nemesis Harold Krenshaw. Some of Monk's favorite criminals returning from behind bars are Sharon Lawrence as Stottlemeyer's killer ex-girlfriend Linda Fusco; Andy Richter as Hal Tucker; David Koechner as Joey Krenshaw; Ricardo Chavira as Jimmy Belmont; and Angela Kinsey as Arlene Boras. Also appearing in the episode are returning guest-stars Howie Mandel as former cult leader Ralph Roberts; Sarah Silverman as Monk's biggest fan Marci Maven; and Brooke Adams as Leigh Harrison, a flight attendant Monk encountered on his travels.

While most shows see ratings erosion with age, MONK has remained a vibrant cornerstone of USA's schedule, evident in its series-high ratings in total viewers for the sixth season finale. Although the show has been on since 2002, MONK's latest season delivered +16% more P18-49 viewers, +12% more P25- 54 viewers and +21% more total viewers than the series average. Through the conclusion of season six, MONK has averaged an audience of 2 million in P18- 49, 2.5 million in P25-54 and 5 million total viewers.

Tony Shalhoub ("Big Night," "Wings," "Men in Black") has earned three Emmy Awards (with six nominations), a Golden Globe Award and two SAG Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Monk's psychological disorder costs him his position as a legendary homicide detective on the San Francisco Police Force. Due to the tragic unsolved murder of his wife, Monk has developed an abnormal fear of germs, heights, crowds and virtually everything else, which provides an unusual challenge to solving crimes ... not to mention his day-to-day existence. Traylor Howard ("Two Guys and a Girl," "Me, Myself and Irene"), Ted Levine ("Heat," "Moby Dick") and Jason Gray-Stanford ("Taken," "Flags of Our Fathers") also star.

MONK is executive produced by David Hoberman ("Raising Helen," "Bringing Down the House," "The Negotiator"), Andy Breckman ("Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Rat Race"), Tony Shalhoub, Randy Zisk ("House," "Without a Trace') and Tom Scharpling ("The Best Show on WFMU"). MONK is from Universal Cable Productions in association with Mandeville Films, Inc. and ABC Studios.

For photos of MONK, as well as all USA Network projects, please log on to the NBC Universal Media Village at http://www.nbcumv.com/ .

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site 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

LOS ANGELES, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network has teamed up this year with Saab USA as a key partner of USA's hottest show last summer and the number one new show among P25-54 on cable, BURN NOTICE. Saab USA sponsored the second season premiere of the hit original series, which aired on Thursday, July 10 at 10/9c on USA. A Saab nine three convertible was integrated into the show as Fiona's (Gabrielle Anwar) car. Additionally, USA with the help of executive producer and creator Matt Nix, and in conjunction with Omelet, created an online alternate reality experience called "Covert Ops," which launched within the second episode last Thursday, July 17 and will continue online for nine weeks. The announcement was made by Chris McCumber, USA's executive vice president, marketing, digital and brand strategy.

"Saab USA is another example of the many ways we're partnering with our advertisers across multiple platforms, and we're pleased to work with them again for the second season of BURN NOTICE," said McCumber. "We're confident that the Saab nine three convertible will play an integral role in our upcoming season."

"USA understands its audience both in terms of its breakthrough programming and its ability to market its audience in a language they understand, entertainment," said Steven Amato, partner, Omelet. "This project was extremely appealing to us because it allowed Omelet to do what it does best, work alongside next-generation television creators like Matt Nix as well as next-generation marketers like USA and Saab USA and break the traditional mold. Seeing the marketing as an extension of the entertainment is an evolved and future-driven approach."

Housed at www.BurnNoticeOps.com, Covert Ops invites players to become an operative and to help Fiona, Michael Westen's ex-girlfriend, and a new client solve their case. The Saab nine three convertible will be integrated into the game through branding experiences tied to nine missions. Throughout the experience, players will receive interactive video hints, emails and text messages from the cast as they are given instructions for their weekly challenge. Tasks include shutting down security systems, planting evidence, performing phone taps and other espionage activities. All players who complete each challenge are eligible to win the Grand Prize -- a 2009 Saab nine three convertible and a visit to the set of the show in Miami -- or one of fifty (50) first prizes -- a pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses as worn by Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) in the show.

Saab USA will also be included in tune-in spots for the premiere, promo spots driving viewers to the Covert Ops Experience and the accompanying sweepstakes, as well as in-show snipes and bumpers.

BURN NOTICE, is a sexy, action-packed original series starring Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, a blacklisted spy. Series also stars Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Sharon Gless and joining the cast this season in a recurring role is Tricia Helfer. Stuck in his hometown of sun-soaked, bikini-filled Miami -- a tropical paradise but a place he never wanted to return to -- Michael Westen is now cut loose. With a burn notice attached to his name, he has no idea what or who triggered his demise. With the help of his ex-girlfriend and his buddy, Michael is determined to find out the reason for his sudden termination. Unable to utilize his normal contacts and needing to stay under the spy network radar, he puts his Special Ops training to use, helping those who the police can't or won't, in order to fund his ongoing personal investigation.

The second season premiere of BURN NOTICE on July 10 delivered more P25-54 (2.69 million) and P18-49 (2.36 million) than any prior episode of the series and was the #2 P25-54 delivery for any original scripted series telecast on cable this year to date. NBC was the only network, broadcast or cable, to deliver more P25-54 or P18-49 than BURN NOTICE in Thursday's 10P hour. Compared to the series premiere of BURN NOTICE last summer the season two premiere was up +23% in P25-54, +19% in P18-49 and +35% in total viewers.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers XM Satellite Radio and OnStar standard in its entire vehicle portfolio. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Omelet is a Los Angeles based full service branding, advertising and entertainment company comprised of advertising creative executives and Hollywood executive producers. Omelet specializes in creating "Marketing Formats" that deliver organic media-neutral creative solutions designed to solve a brand's core business challenge. At the forefront of the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Omelet is helping to redefine how brands and entertainment co-exist. Omelet has worked with a variety of clients including ABC, Activision, Anheuser-Busch, Amstel Light, Bioware, The Coffee Bean & Tea Left, EA, Easton Sports, Fox Mobile Entertainment, Fox TV Studios, G4 Network, Guthy-Renker, Moretti Beer, Microsoft, NBC 'Green is Universal," Outfest, Pandemic, Paulaner Beer, Riddell, Toyota Matrix, USA Network, Vivendi Games Mobile and Vivendi Games.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site 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

LOS ANGELES, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emmy Award-winning hit original series, THE STARTER WIFE, starring Debra Messing will premiere on Friday, October 10 at 10/9c on USA Network. The series focuses on the post-divorce adventures of the lead character, Molly Kagan (Messing), as she begins a new chapter in her life. On the heels of its stellar ratings and Emmy success, USA is bringing back the hit miniseries of 2007 with ten exciting episodes, with Emmy Award-winner Messing returning to star and now serving as executive producer. The announcement was made by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions. This season, the series is being filmed entirely in Los Angeles.

Reprising their roles are three-time Emmy Award-winner Judy Davis ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadow") as Joan McAllister and Chris Diamantopoulos ("Behind the Camera: Mork & Mindy") as Rodney -- Molly's two best friends. Also returning this season as a special guest star is Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds") as Lou Manahan, former studio head and former boyfriend of Molly. Davis won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her role as Joan in 2007. This is the first time both Davis and Diamantopoulos have been cast as regulars in a series.

Joining the regular cast of THE STARTER WIFE are David Alan Basche ("Lipstick Jungle") Kenny Kagan, Molly's ex-husband; Danielle Nicolet ("Heartland") as Liz Marsh, Molly's new friend and the wife of an LA pro-baseball player; Brielle Barbusca ("Hope & Faith") as Jaden, Molly and Kenny's daughter; and Hart Bochner ("Die Hard") as Zach, Molly's new love interest and writing class professor. Guest stars include Reggie Austin ("Notes from the Underbelly"), as Devon Marsh, Liz's husband; Ronny Cox ("The Agency") as Pappy, Joan's husband; Daniel Gerroll ("Cashmere Mafia") as David Shea, a controversial movie star who Joan meets in rehab; James Black ("All of Us") as Felix, a successful action star with a secret; Krista Allen ("Unscripted") as Eve, Molly's nemesis at her daughter's school; and Alia Shawkat ("Arrested Development") as Robin, a troubled girl that Joan befriends in rehab.

The Emmy, WGA and PGA-nominated writing team of Josann McGibbon & Sara Parriott ("Runaway Bride") return as executive producers along with Gigi Levangie Grazer, who penned the New York Times bestselling novel on which the miniseries was based. The project is produced by Universal Cable Productions in association with McGibbon/Parriott Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment. Stephanie Davis ("The Caveman's Valentine"), Howard Klein ("The Office," "Carnivale") and Molly Madden ("Picture Perfect") also serve as executive producers for 3 Arts.

For photos from THE STARTER WIFE, as well as all USA Network projects, please log on to the NBC Universal Media Village at http://www.nbcumv.com/.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site 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