USA Network Upfront News: Modern Family and Two New Comedies to Be Aired as Network Branches Out Into Comedy
The USA network is re-entering the world of original comedy, the network announced at its Thursday upfront presentation.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote Thursday that USA, home to shows like Psych, Burn Notice, and Royal Pains, is adding two new original comedies to its line-up this upcoming TV season, its first foray into the genre in over a decade.
Sirens centers on three Chicago EMTs at the top of their field with personalities that leave much to be desired. Actor and comedian media Denis Leary (Rescue Me) wrote and produced the series, though he is not expected to be featured onscreen.
Playing House is a project from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, most recently of the short-lived NBC show Best Friends Forever. Parham plays a mother-to-be who invites her single best friend (St. Clair) back home from an overseas job for her baby shower, with hilarity ensuing.
In addition, the network has ordered a half-hour pilot from Chuck's Zev Borow called Love Is Dead, set at a company specializing in organized relationship break-ups, and also considering picking up Happy Endings, recently cancelled by ABC.
"Our new series come from some of the best comedic talent in the business, and reflect USA's style -- with great characters, strong execution and compelling storytelling," said USA co-president Jeff Wachtel.
Under different leadership in the 1990s, USA offered comedy selections including Weird Science, USA High and Campus Cops. In more recent years, the network has become home to numerous hour-long character-based dramas (reflected in the network's slogan, "Characters welcome").
The cable network is getting a comedic boost from broadcast TV. The two shows will be played alongside reruns of popular ABC show Modern Family.
"With Modern Family joining our lineup in the fall, we can leverage television's most popular comedy to serve as a powerful launch pad for new originals in this genre," said network co-president Chris McCumber.
The seasons premieres of Sirens and Playing House are set to air in early 2014.
