Modern Family lined up as USA Network chances on laughs

NBCUniversal-owned US cable channel USA Network has commissioned its first ever comedy series, and will launch ABC’s Modern Family off-network for the first time.

Among new programmes unveiled yesterday at the USA Upfront was Sirens from Apostle and Fox Television Studios and Playing House from Universal Cable Productions and American Work. Additionally, it has picked up UCP and Gaumont International Television comedy pilot Love is Dead.

Modern Family will launch on the channel in September. “This is the right time to be introducing half hour original comedies to the USA audience. With Modern Family joining our line-up 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 Chris McCumber, co-president, USA Network.

Sirens is about a trio of Chicago ambulance workers whose self-destructive and self-righteous personalities hinder their lives. It’s based on a UK format that first broadcast on Channel 4 and was produced by indie Daybreak Pictures. Denis Leary co-wrote the pilot and is among executive producers on the show.

Playing House is a single camera buddy comedy starring Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, who co-wrote the script. They executive produce along with Scot Armstrong.

Meanwhile, pilot Love is Dead is written and executive produced by Zev Borow, with Katie O’Connell, Elisa Roth, Sidonie Dumas and Christophe Riandee executive producing for GIT. It’s based on a French short film of the same name.