Following USA Network's successful launch of new series The Dead Zone and with the upcoming launch of Monk, the network's second scripted series of the
summer, the network unveiled an ambitious development slate of original movies,
miniseries, limited series and alternative programming Tuesday.
The announcement was made by USA executives Jeff Wachtel, executive vice
president, series and longform programming and Chris Sloan, senior VP, alternative programming.
"Series are a big part of the programming equation -- they are the
'franchise,'" Wachtel said in a company press release.
"But a successful network needs strong event
programming, too -- events that really 'pop.' The goal of our longform
programming is to create shows that provoke debate, attract attention and even
create some controversy," he added.
King Tut follows explorer and Egyptologist Howard Carter during his
search for King Tut's tomb.
The Crusades follows the historical struggle for control of the Holy
Land.
Other series in devlopment include new takes on Papillon and
Spartacus.
