USA Special to Feature Gwyneth Paltrow, Seth MacFarlane and Designer Jason Wu

In USA's latest attempt to expand its blue skies formula, the top-rated cable network is rolling out an interview special. 

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Out of Character with Krista Smith will feature sit-downs with Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and fashion designer Jason Wu. The special, fronted by Vanity Fair's west coast editor, will air on January 11 at 11 pm, a daypart that the network's co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel recently told The Hollywood Reporter they were interested in exploring.

"We’ve always talked about wanting to have a show or a presence on the network that is day and date -- something that’s commenting on what’s going on and feels vibrant and of the moment, whether that’s a late night show or a daytime show," McCumber told THR in November.

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As the network's tagline suggests, the special will attempt to offer viewers a window into a different part of each of its characters' lives. Paltrow's segement will include the actress sharing family recipes from her cookbook, while recent Grammy nominee MacFarlane uses the opportunity to discuss his fascination with science --among his upcoming projects is a Cosmos reboots-- and music. 

Wu, who to date is best known for creating Michelle Obama's inaugural dress, will invite the network's cameras for a tour of his Manhattan design studio. 

For her part, Smith's on air profolio was raised earlier this year when she co-hosted ABC's Oscar pre-show. She will work with Authentic Entertainment (Ace of Cakes, Flipping Out), which is on board to produce the special.

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