USA Network is fast-tracking Paradise Pictures.
The NBCUniversal-owned cable network has handed out a pilot order to the 1940s period drama from Suits duo Aaron Korsh and Rick Muirragui, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The drama, first announced in early April as part of USA’s development slate, centers on ambitious people striving to get to the top in 1940s Hollywood, when the dream factory was at its peak. Little do they know the challenges they’re about to face: the end of the studio monopolies, the blacklist and the new disruptive technology of television.
Paradise hails from Universal Cable Productions, with Muirragui attached to pen the script and exec produce alongside Suits showrunner Korsh.
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“Set against the backdrop of a dramatic transformation in the entertainment industry, Paradise Pictures delves into a world that has not yet been explored on television,” USA senior vp original series Alex Sepiol said. “We are pleased to continue our successful relationship with Aaron and Rick, as they use this dynamic time to tackle issues which are still very much a part of modern-day Hollywood.”
Paradise becomes USA’s third pilot order of the season and joins Falling Water, a UCP thriller from the late Henry Bromell (Homeland), Blake Masters and Gale Anne Hurd as well as Shooter, from UCP and Paramount and based on the 2007 feature from Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Meanwhile, drama Queen of the South — from Fox Television Studios — is the final pilot from last year’s crop that still remains in contention.
The news comes as USA has been focused on drama with recent additions Colony, Mr. Robot and Complications poised to join a slate that includes Graceland, Suits, Royal Pains and Satisfaction, among others.
Korsh is with ICM Partners, Storied Media Group and Stone Meyer.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
