FX Orders KGB Spy Drama 'The Americans' to Series

FX is moving forward with a 13-episode series order for the KGB spy drama set to premiere in early 2013.

our editor recommends

FX Productions Inks Deal With 'Hunger Games' Producers

FX Inks Script Development Deal for Dr. Dre Drama Pilot

TCA 2012: FX's John Landgraf Calls Out Netflix, Bashes Rivals and Admits Fighting with Showrunners

'Brothers & Sisters'' Matthew Rhys Joins FX's 'The Americans'; 'Walking Dead's' Noah Emmerich Nears Deal

Keri Russell to Star in FX's 'The Americans'

The 1980s-set project, which was ordered to pilot in December, revolves around the arranged marriage of Phillip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Keri Russell), who have two children who know nothing about their parents’ true identity. 

Their relationship grows more passionate and genuine by the day but is constantly tested by the escalation of the Cold War and the intimate, dangerous and darkly funny relationships they must maintain with a network of informants and spies under their control. Complicating it further is Phillip’s growing sense of affinity for the American way of life. Tension heightens upon the arrival of a new neighbor, Stan (Noah Emmerich), an FBI agent working in counterintelligence.

“We’re proud to welcome The Americans, a taught series that crackles with incredible performances rooted in character perspectives never explored on a U.S. television series, to FX’s lineup of quality dramas,” said FX Networks general manager John Landgraf. Production is set to begin in October.

Creator Joe Weisberg (Falling Skies), who once worked for the CIA, will serve as executive producer and showrunner on the project, with Justified showrunner Graham Yost on board as an EP. 

DreamWorks Television and its TV co-presidents Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, who initially approached Weisberg in summer 2010 about writing a piece set in the final years of the Cold War, will serve as executive producers on the drama, which is being jointly produced by Fox TV Studios and FX Productions. Gavin O’Connor (Warrior, Miracle) was tapped to direct the pilot.

For Russell, the drama marks her first regular drama series role since Felicity wrapped its four-year run in 2002. Rhys most recently co-starred in ABC's long-running Brothers and Sisters. Among many projects, Emmerich co-starred in Warrior and Miracle.

The series will join the two other dramas, Sons of Anarchy and Justified, on FX's schedule.

Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com; Twitter: @Lacey.Rose@THR.com