Upfronts: USA Sets Dramas With Charlize Theron, Rob Reiner

NEW YORK – USA, which is among several mature cable powers battling ratings erosion, unveiled its 2015-16 development slate Tuesday morning (April 7), including projects from Charlize Theron, Rob Reiner and Barry Sonnenfeld, among others.

The NBCUniversal cabler, which last year decided to scrap the majority of its comedy developments (only Sirens and Playing House remain on the air), has put nine different scripted drama projects into development.

Theron is attached as an executive producer for Mythos, a serialized adventure in which well-known myths turn out to be guarded truths that have been concealed by members of two opposing groups. In January, Theron signed a development deal with NBCU’s Universal Cable Productions, which is run by former USA copresident Jeff Wachtel.

USA is developing a pair of period dramas. The network is working with Rob Reiner on the 1960s-set political drama The Tap, and 1940s Hollywood drama Paradise Pictures, which is from Suits creator Aaron Korsh.

The network also will expand its relationship with Todd Chrisley, ordering a pilot for a late night show in the same vein of Andy Cohen’s Bravo series Watch What Happens Live that will be hosted by Chrisley. USA has also partnered with Maverick TV on a Chrisley Knows Best spinoff.

Read more at broadcastingcable.com.