USA Orders Unscripted Shows ‘Instant Family’ and ‘The Rev’

By Michael Malone
( Broadcasting & Cable )
last updated

One series about couple that takes in three sisters off the streets, the other about a preacher with special musical skills

Cast members of "Instant Family" from upper left: Nicole Walters, Josh Walters, and Eddie Bernardez; From lower left: Daughters Ally and Kriss
From upper left: Nicole Walters, Josh Walters, and Eddie Bernardez; From lower left: Daughters Ally and Kriss (Image credit: USA Network)

USA Network has ordered unscripted series Instant Family and The Rev. Instant Family will have six half-hour episodes. Nicole is a type-A entrepreneur and Josh is her devoted husband. Their lives change when they decide to open their home and hearts to three sisters living on the streets. 

“The high-energy series focuses on the importance of balancing work and family, laughter and love… and demonstrates how the greatest things in life can come together in an instant,” said USA. 

Line By Line Media produces. Instant Family is executive produced by Justin Tucker, Sam Sarkoob and Bob Unger.

From left: Judea Hartley, Richard Hartley, Stacey Hartley, and Jordan Hartley

Cast members of "The Rev" from left: Judea Hartley, Richard Hartley, Stacey Hartley, and Jordan Hartley (Image credit: USA Network)

The Rev will have eight half-hour episodes. It is about Pastor Richard Hartley. “When he isn’t preaching and inspiring his congregation at his Long Island, NY church, he’s dealing with his rambunctious and loving family… all while utilizing his musical skills to make the church’s choir top notch,” said USA. 

This is Just a Test LLC produces the show, with Aengus James, Colin Miller and Jen McClure-Metz executive producing.

Both show titles are working titles.

Michael Malone
Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.