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MUMBAI:
US cable network USA Network from the NBCUniversal stable
has announced a slate of comedies and dramas. It is also looking
at the reality genre to boost its reach.
The
new comedy slate feature comedic talent, including Kelsey
Grammer, Mark Gordon, Denis Leary and Gail Berman and Lloyd
Braun.
USA
co-presidents Chris McCumber, Jeff Wachtel said, "The
comedy genre has re-emerged as a top choice for television
audiences, and we anticipate our latest projects coupled with
'Modern Family' will ignite excitement with our viewers. Our
track record of provocative storytelling from marquee talent
has made USA a top entertainment brand for consumers and a
great investment for brands looking to reach them."
The
Upcoming half hour comedy slate includes 'Regulars'. It is
about a misfit group of customers and employees at a suburban
New Jersey bar express their joys, sorrows and observations
through karaoke.
Modern
Family executive producer.Steven Levitan said, "USA is
the perfect home for 'Modern Family.' We are proud to anchor
USA's next generation of comedies when we begin airing next
year."
'The
Dicicco Brothers' comes from comedy icon Kelsey Grammer 'Frasier'
and writer Ed Cannistraci. This is the story of a promising
dot-com entrepreneur who moves to the very politically correct
culture of Silicon Valley with dreams of making it big. His
dreams may unravel though when his colorful, blunt, and unrefined
extended family arrives
to "offer their support."
''Paging
Dr. Freed' is a comedy about two gynecologist brothers who
inherit their father's thriving medical practice after he
suffers a heart attack during an attempt at "playing"
doctor with his young secretary. Along with taking over the
family business, these brothers also must deal with something
else their father left behind - their overbearing, neurotic
mother. Trusted and beloved by their patients,
these guys are professionals when it comes to women but only
from the neck down.
'Sirens',
meanwhile, offers the comedic point of view of
Denis Leary. His new comedy follows three of Chicago's best
EMTs whose sometimes self-loathing, other times narcissistic,
and always downright self-destructive personalities make them
unqualified for sustaining relationships, friendships and
most occupations. They are, however, uniquely qualified for
saving anyone unlucky enough to wind up in their ambulance.
On
the drama side of things, ISA Network is encouraged by the
success of 'Suits' and 'Necessary Roughness'. New shows announced
include 'Political Animals', the pilot 'Graceland' and the
development of three dramas - Bang Bang, Rare, Mind Fields,
Fallen, 'We Counted Your
Knives' and the Untitled Dick Wolf Project.
"As
USA moves into Upfront week, this new slate reaffirms the
network's position as a 'blue chip investment' to the advertising
and creative community. These projects will continue to further
the scope of our dramas with the collaboration and passionate
input of Hollywood's top talent," said McCumber and Wachtel
In
'Bang Bang' an unlikely partnership is formed when veteran
hitman Danny is saved by rival novice hired gun Marco, while
executing a target. This duo pair up to execute contracts,
if they don't kill each other first.
'Rare;
is set in Tour which is a new restaurant in San Francisco.
Part of its allure may be the chef, a mysterious ex-special
forces captain who's good with a knife both inside and outside
the kitchen. Even if he tries to resist his old violent life,
he will be unlikely to keep it entirely outside his new establishment.
In
'Fallen' after an accident, a cop -- known for his "act
first, ask questions later" approach -- develops the
rare condition of synesthesia and suddenly finds himself seeing
"emotions." His partner doesn't quite understand
this "touchy-feely" approach to solving crimes,
but there's no doubt that this new insight is helping clear
cases.
USA
Network is also looking to extend its audience reach by diving
into the reality genre with the pilot pick-up of 'Bride Or
Best Man'. In addition, 'Romancing The Globe', a new relationship
series, is in development from executive producer Mark Burnett.
The slate also includes two previously announced projects
- the pilot for The Choir and the recently greenlit series
'The Moment'.
McCumber
and Wachtel said, "As we move into the world of reality
programming, we're staying true to our brand DNA by focussing
on real life characters that are every bit as fascinating,
inspirational and entertaining as our scripted ones. These
unscripted series let us welcome characters of all types,
which will continue to broaden our appeal to audiences."
'Bride
Or Best Man' is being pushed as a "bromantic comedy"
with a twist; this series highlights a trip down the aisle
that goes completely wrong when the Groom and his Best Man
are left in charge of planning the 'big day.'
'The
Choir' follows accomplished UK choirmaster Gareth Malone as
he embraces various American communities and assembles a choir
made up of the most unexpected mix of individuals. Malone
believes in the transformative power of music and uses choirs
as a way to bring people together, raise morale, and restore
a sense of pride in community.
The
journey is both comedic and emotional with each episode culminating
in an orchestrated choir performance. Malone began his career
leading choirs for the London Symphony Orchestra and since
then, has gone on to win an International Emmy and numerous
BAFTAs as well as recently having an album top the UK pop
charts.
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