Poor Richard's Almanack - P 2015
AP ImagesUSA Network is poised to explore how to rebuild America.
The NBCUniversal-owned cable network has handed out a pilot order to Poor Richard’s Almanack, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. (The title takes its name from a yearly almanac published by Ben Franklin who adopted the pseudonym of “Poor Richard” in order to publish the annual pamphlet offering weather forecasts, household hints, puzzles and more.)
From corporate sibling Universal Cable Productions and Legendary Television, the drama weaves between modern day and a possible future where characters have changed radically. It’s described as a thriller about a cadre of heroes who emerge as the new “Founding Fathers,” after America is pushed to the brink of collapse. Sources tell THR that America is attacked and taken over by another country and explores the new group of heroes who help re-establish democracy.
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The drama hails from executive producers Jim Danger Gray (Orange Is the New Black) and Miguel Sapochnik (Game of Thrones). It marks Legendary Television’s second show with USA, joining Carlton Cuse‘s Josh Holloway starrer Colony, which debuts this year.
“Jim and Miguel have brought us a bold conceptual world using historical references in a modern-day society,” said Jackie de Crinis, executive vp original programming at USA Network.
Poor Richard’s Almanack joins a USA pilot slate that also includes Falling Water, from Gale Anne Hurd, Blake Masters and the late Henry Bromell; and Paradise Pictures, from Suits duo Aaron Korsh and Rick Muirragui.
The pilot pickup comes as USA has been abandoning its “blue skies” fare in favor of darker-themed dramas including Mr. Robot and Complications, the former of which has already been renewed for a second season.
