USA Network has announced its new cast of characters with a 2010 development slate of original branded concepts. Contributing to the slate are the creative talents behind some of television and filmâs 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.
âUSAâs development slate reflects our continued commitment to creating uniquely appealing characters,â said Wachtel. âOne year after forming Universal Cable Productions, the studio is moving ahead with an aggressive lineup for 2009/2010.â
USA Networkâs 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 (âThe American Embassy,â âCaroline in the Cityâ). Steve Stark (âMediumâ) 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 (âKnight Riderâ). Producers are Jack Gill and Steve Jensen. Actor John Schneider (âSmallville,â âThe Dukes of Hazzardâ) will star and produce. CRASH DUMMIES is produced by Reveille (âThe Office,â âUgly Bettyâ).
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 (âNotes from the Underbelly,â âJoeyâ).
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 (âJudging Amyâ). John Wirth (âTerminator: The Sarah Connor Chroniclesâ) 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 âEsther Damsackâ). Executive producer is Jimmy Miller (âGet Smart,â âStep Brothers,â âElfâ) 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 (âWonderlandâ). Executive producers are Mike Newell (âHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,â âFour Weddings and a Funeralâ), 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 (âThe A-Team,â âThe Rockford Filesâ), with Scott Kaufer (â3 lbs,â âBoston Legalâ) 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 (âThe Philanthropist,â âOz,â âHomicide: Life on the Streetâ). Adam Bernstein (â30 Rock,â âWorst Weekâ) 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 (âCrossing Jordan,â âSpidermanâ).