New Original Series RUSH and SATISFACTION To Launch Thursday, July 17 Fan Favorites ROYAL PAINS, SUITS, GRACELAND and COVERT AFFAIRS Return in June

Universal City, California -- April 23, 2014 -- USA Network, the #1 network in all of cable for eight years running, will serve up its hottest summer ever with four returning series and two new dramas.  Once again, the network that defined summer television with its signature dramas is rolling out all-new episodes of its critically acclaimed original series in June, with ROYAL PAINS (June 10), SUITS (June 11), GRACELAND (June 11) and COVERT AFFAIRS (June 24).  July 17 will see the launch of the two newest dramas, RUSH, featuring renegade, bad-boy physician Dr. William P. Rush (Tom Ellis, “Miranda) at 9/8c, followed by SATISFACTION at 10/9c starring Matt Passmore (“The Glades”) and Stephanie Szostak (“The Devil Wears Prada”).

Tuesday

ROYAL PAINS (June 10, 9-10 p.m.)

COVERT AFFAIRS (June 24, 10-11 p.m.)

Wednesday

SUITS (June 11, 9-10 p.m.)

GRACELAND (June 11, 10-11 p.m.)

Thursday

RUSH (July 17, 9-10 p.m.)

SATISFACTION (July 17, 10-11 p.m.)

RUSH:  RUSH examines the world of renegade physician Dr. William P. Rush (Tom Ellis, “Miranda”), a “medical fixer” who privately caters to LA’s elite and whose service comes with a hefty price tag.  Though the hard-partying doctor claims that he doesn’t make judgments about his less-than-squeaky-clean clients, he’s not immune to the ugliness that he encounters. From Fox21 (“Homeland”) and writer/director Jonathan Levine (“Warm Bodies”), along with Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo (“Missing,” “13 Going on 30”) and Executive Producer Adam Fierro (“The Shield”), the series is set to film in Vancouver, Canada.

SATISFACTION:  A provocative drama that explores modern marriage at its midpoint.  Through the lens of one couple, Neil Truman (Matt Passmore, “The Glades”) and his wife, Grace  (Stephanie Szostak, “The Devil Wears Prada”), this series answers the question, “What do you do when having it all is not enough?”  by delving into their shocking and unconventional choices.  Michelle DeShon (“Hollywood Heights”), Katherine LaNasa (“The Campaign”) and Blair Redford (“Switched at Birth”) also star.  SATISFACTION is from Universal Cable Productions (UCP) and executive producer/creator Sean Jablonski (SUITS, “Nip Tuck”).  Russ Krasnoff (“Community”) of Krasnoff/Foster also serves as executive producer.  The series is set to film in Atlanta, Georgia.

ROYAL PAINS:  Season six promises to bring more fun and sun and a host of celebrity guest stars to the Hamptons.  This season, Hank (Mark Feuerstein, “Good Morning, Miami”), will return from his world travels with Boris (Campbell Scott, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”) to find that his HankMed family has moved on without him during his 9-month absence.  No longer in the comfortable dynamics he left behind, Hank forges ahead to figure out how he fits into this new normal.  The series also stars Paulo Costanzo (“40 Days and 40 Nights”), Reshma Shetty (“30 Rock”), Brooke D’Orsay (“Two and a Half Men”), and Ben Shenkman (BURN NOTICE).  From Universal Cable Productions, ROYAL PAINS is written and executive produced by Andrew Lenchewski (“UC: Undercover”) and Michael Rauch (“Life is Wild”).  Rich Frank (“More”) also serves as executive producer along with Jeff Kwatinetz (“Unstoppable”) and Paul Frank (“Comanche Moon”) from Prospect Park, Connie Burge (“Ally McBeal”), Carol Flint (“The West Wing”), Jon Sherman (“Frasier”) and Jack Bernstein (MONK).  ROYAL PAINS was one of summer’s top five cable series Wednesday nights in 2013 among P25-54 (2.01MM) and total viewers P2+.

SUITS:  The critically acclaimed and award-nominated legal drama returns for its fourth season after a major shift in the dynamics at the firm.  It's a new world order as Mike Ross (SAG Award nominee Patrick J Adams, “Rosemary’s Baby”) leaves Pearson Specter and heads to Wall Street as an investment banker, quickly finding himself at odds with his mentor Harvey (Gabriel Macht, "Love and Other Drugs").  The series also stars Gina Torres ("Firefly”), Rick Hoffman ("Samantha Who"), Meghan Markle ("CSI: Miami") and Sarah Rafferty (“Brothers & Sisters”).  From Universal Cable Productions, SUITS was created and is executive produced by Aaron Korsh ("The Deep End").  Doug Liman (COVERT AFFAIRS, “The Bourne Trilogy”) and David Bartis (COVERT AFFAIRS) and Gene Klein (COVERT AFFAIRS) of Hypnotic, as well as Daniel Arkin (“90210”) and Chris Downey (“Leverage”) serve as executive producers.  SUITS was one of 2013’s top ten scripted shows in cable among P18-49 (2.38MM), P25-54 (2.39MM), and P18-34 (1.28MM).  Fans can catch up before the new season with the DVD release of SUITS season three on May 27 or anytime on Amazon Prime.

GRACELAND:  The sophomore season of GRACELAND follows the high-stakes investigative lives of six undercover federal agents who live together in a government-seized Southern California beachfront house.  These FBI, DEA and ICE agents, whose lies are their lives, struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy.  This is especially challenging when the former FBI rookie, Mike Warren (Aaron Tveit, “Les Miserables”) returns to “Graceland” to run point on a dangerous mission against the cartel.  Meanwhile, Briggs (Daniel Sunjata, "Rescue Me"), still concerned about the missing recording that implicates him in a murder, attempts to clean up his life and repair his relationships.  The series also stars Vanessa Ferlito (“The Sopranos”), Manny Montana (“Chicago Code”), Brandon Jay McLaren (“Falling Skies”) and Serinda Swan (“Breakout Kings”).  From Fox Television Studios, GRACELAND comes from creator and executive producer Jeff Eastin (WHITE COLLAR) and is inspired by true events.  The series was one of 2013’s top new cable dramas of the summer, capturing a broad freshman audience, averaging 4M total viewers.

COVERT AFFAIRS:  Season five of the hit espionage series picks up with CIA operative Annie (Golden Globe®-nominated Piper Perabo, “Looper”) returning to the Agency after having faked her death to go deep undercover to find a traitor to the CIA.  The new season will examine the price Annie will have to pay for this risky maneuver and the implications it will have on her relationships – both personally and professionally – as she attempts to re-emerge into the world she once knew.  The series also stars Christopher Gorham (“Ugly Betty”), Hill Harper (“CSI: NY”), Kari Matchett (“Invasion”), Peter Gallagher (“The O.C.”) and Nic Bishop (“Body of Proof”).  From Universal Cable Productions, COVERT AFFAIRS was created, written and executive produced by Matt Corman (“Deck the Halls”) and Chris Ord (“Deck the Halls”), and is executive produced by Doug Liman (SUITS, “The Bourne Trilogy”) David Bartis (SUITS) and Gene Klein (SUITS) through Hypnotic.  Stephen Kay (“Sons of Anarchy”), Sean Ryerson (“Bait”), Stephen Hootstein (“What About Brian”) and Henry Alonso Myers (“Ugly Betty”) also serve as executive producers.  In 2013, COVERT AFFAIRS averaged 1.44MM P18-49, 1.68MM P25-54, and 4.05MM total viewers P2+.  Fans can catch up before the new season with the DVD release of COVERT AFFAIRS season four on May 27 or anytime on Amazon Prime.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented eight straight years, USA Network is seen in more than 102 million U.S. homes.  USA offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals.  The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com.

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The Series Stars Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, Kari Matchett, Peter Gallagher and Hill Harper The Drama Ranked As A Top 10 Cable Scripted Show of The Summer, Averaging Nearly 4 Million Total Viewers.

LOS ANGELES – October 4, 2013 – USA’s hit international spy drama series, COVERT AFFAIRS, returns with six all new action packed episodes on Thursday, October 17 at 10/9c. The first half of season four brought in nearly 4 million total viewers P2+ (3.955MM), making COVERT AFFAIRS one of summer’s top 10 cable scripted shows. The season finale is scheduled for Thursday, November 21.

The critically-acclaimed spy drama series, COVERT AFFAIRS stars Golden Globe-nominee Piper Perabo ("Coyote Ugly") as Annie Walker, a young CIA operative whose exceptional linguistic skills and killer instinct make her invaluable to the Agency. As the fourth season continues, we find an emboldened Annie Walker emerging from the life she once knew. Now, she’s a spy operating off the grid without ties to her agency or the support of her beloved handler, Auggie (Christopher Gorham, "Ugly Betty"). Annie knows that tying Henry Wilcox (guest star Gregory Itzin) to the disastrous attack in Copenhagen is the best way to bring him down and that’s exactly what she aims to do.   The series also stars Peter Gallagher ("The O.C.," "American Beauty"), Kari Matchett ("Invasion") and Hill Harper ("CSI:NY"). International shooting locations this season have included Medellín, Rome, Vienna, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Grand Bahama Island and Geneva. Gorham will direct episode 414.

From Universal Cable Productions, COVERT AFFAIRS was created, written and executive produced by Matt Corman and Chris Ord, and is executive produced by Doug Liman (SUITS, the "Bourne" trilogy, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"), David Bartis (SUITS, "The O.C.") and Gene Klein (SUITS) through Hypnotic. Stephen Kay (“Sons of Anarchy”) also serves as executive producer. Stephen Kay (“Sons of Anarchy”) and Sean Ryerson (“Knight Rider”) also serve as executive producers.

Leading up to the return of COVERT AFFAIRS, fans can watch the first ten episodes of the current season on VOD and use their mobile devices to access exclusive second screen content on USA Sync at sync.usanetwork.com (http://www.usanetwork.com/social/sync). They can also join the immersive online adventure “Sights Unseen: Auggie Undercover.” The series gives them a glimpse into Auggie’s past, prior to losing his sight and explores his affair with Russian hacker Natasha (Liane Balaban). Fans can get started by logging on to sightsunseen.usanetwork.com via their desktop or tablet. After watching each of the webisodes, users can play a variety of mini-games designed to test their spy skills.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for seven consecutive years and for an unprecedented seven straight summers, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

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The Series Ranked As A Top 10 Cable Scripted Show of The Summer, Averaging Nearly 4 Million Total Viewers Season Four Continues On Oct 17th

LOS ANGELES – October 3, 2013 – USA’s hit original international spy drama series, COVERT AFFAIRS, has received a 16-episode fifth season renewal order.  The series was one of summer’s top 10 cable scripted shows, with nearly 4 million total viewers P2+ (3.955MM).

“No other series on television travels the globe to tell a story like COVERT AFFAIRS, and we are pleased to bring it back for another season” said Chris McCumber, President of USA Network.  “With its intricate storytelling, diverse characters and authentic locations, the series continues to be a cornerstone in our line-up of USA’s original signature dramas.”

Season four of COVERT AFFAIRS continues on October 17 at 10/9c following the season premiere of WHITE COLLAR.  The season finale is scheduled for Thursday, November 21.

The critically-acclaimed spy drama series stars Golden Globe-nominated Piper Perabo  (“Coyote Ugly,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”), as Annie Walker, a young CIA operative whose exceptional linguistic skills and killer instinct make her invaluable to the Agency.  As the fourth season continues, we find an emboldened Annie Walker emerging from the life she once knew.  Now, she’s a spy operating off the grid without ties to her agency or the support of her beloved handler, Auggie (Christopher Gorham of “Ugly Betty,” “Jake 2.0”).  Annie knows that tying Henry Wilcox (guest star Gregory Itzin) to the disastrous attack in Copenhagen is the best way to bring him down and that’s exactly what she aims to do.  The series also stars Kari Matchett (“Invasion,” “Leverage”), Peter Gallagher (“The O.C.,” “American Beauty”) and Hill Harper (“CSI:NY”).  In addition to Michelle Ryan and Zuleikha Robinson, guest stars for the remainder of the season include Seeta Indrani, Richard Short, Mike Dopud, Jonathan Togo and Emma Fitzpatrick.  International shooting locations this season have included Medellín, Rome, Vienna, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Grand Bahama Island and Geneva.  This season, Christopher Gorham will direct episode 414.

From Universal Cable Productions, COVERT AFFAIRS was created, written and executive produced by Matt Corman and Chris Ord, and is executive produced by Doug Liman (SUITS, the "Bourne" trilogy, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"), David Bartis (SUITS, "The O.C.") and Gene Klein (SUITS) through Hypnotic.  Stephen Kay (“Sons of Anarchy”) and Sean Ryerson (“Knight Rider”) also serve as executive producers.

Leading up to the return of COVERT AFFAIRS, fans can watch the first ten episodes of the current season on VOD and use their mobile devices to access exclusive second screen content on USA Sync at sync.usanetwork.com (http://www.usanetwork.com/social/sync).  They can also join the immersive online adventure “Sights Unseen: Auggie Undercover.”  The series gives them a glimpse into Auggie’s past, prior to losing his sight and explores his affair with Russian hacker Natasha (Liane Balaban).  Fans can get started by logging on to sightsunseen.usanetwork.com via their desktop or tablet.  After watching each of the webisodes, users can play a variety of mini-games designed to test their spy skills.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for six consecutive years and for an unprecedented seven straight summers, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

Universal Cable Productions creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across multiple media platforms and outlets for domestic and international distribution. UCP produces “Covert Affairs,” “Playing House,” “Psych,” “Royal Pains” and “Suits” for USA; “Defiance,” and “Warehouse 13” for Syfy and “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” for distribution on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray. Universal Cable Productions is a division of NBCUniversal.

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Heading to Fan Expo Canada (TM) this weekend? If so come to #Showcase booth 2016 as your favourite Showcase character for a chance to WIN a WALK-ON ROLE on a Showcase show! Click HERE for complete contest rules.

Showcase dominates Fan Expo Canada with a bolstering lineup of panels featuring new and returning hit shows. The highly anticipated new series Helix makes it first Canadian appearance and the casts of returning series Covert Affairs, Lost Girl, Defiance and Warehouse 13create total fanfare. Throughout the entire event, the Showcase booth located on the convention floor (#2016) features autograph signings, an interactive photo booth, Lost Girl: The Game app re-launch and an exclusive screening area. Opening up to both sides of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the first time, the event takes place from August 22-25.

The following is Showcase’s schedule of panels and press opportunities at Fan Expo 2013 in Toronto:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24:

LOST GIRL PANEL: 12:00PM – 1:00PM John Bassett Theatre Rm 102

AUTOGRAPH SESSION:  1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Showcase Booth 2016
Autograph session tickets will be distributed at Panel Session. Keep an eye on our twitter account for autograph ticket giveaways.

The cast of the supernatural series Lost Girl spill exclusive behind-the-scenes details and offer a sneak peek of the upcoming fourth season. Anna Silk, Kris Holden-Reid, Ksenia Solo, Rachel Skarsten, K.C. Collins, Rick Howland and Paul Amos will participate in an autograph signing following the panel at the Showcase Booth from 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM. Moderated by Emily Gagne,  Editor/TV Critic, TV Guide Canada.

DEFIANCE PANEL: 2:30PM – 3:30PM          John Bassett Theatre Rm 102

AUTOGRAPH SESSION: 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Autograph session tickets will be distributed at Panel Session. Keep an eye on our twitter account for autograph ticket giveaways.

Join Defiance’s Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Graham Greene, Stephanie Leonidas, Jaime Murray andDewshane Williams to discuss the smashing success of the groundbreaking multi-platform series and videogame. In partnership with EB Games, an exclusive autograph signing will follow the panel at the Showcase Booth from 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM. Moderated by Greg David, Editor/TV Critic, TV Guide Canada.

HELIX PANEL: 5:00PM – 6:00PM John Bassett Theatre Rm 102

Attendees will get an inside look at the highly anticipated upcoming sci-fi thriller Helix from the writer of the pilot episode and co-executive producerCameron Porsandeh, in a panel that marks the first appearance of stars Billy Campbell, Mark Ghanimeand Kyra Zagorsky. Moderated by Greg David, Editor/TV Critic, TV Guide Canada.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25:

WAREHOUSE 13 PANEL: 12:00PM – 1:00PM John Bassett Theatre Rm 102

AUTOGRAPH SESSION: 1:15PM – 1:45PM
Autograph session tickets will be distributed at Panel Session. Keep an eye on our twitter account for autograph ticket giveaways. 

Allison Scagliotti divulges Warehouse 13 secrets at a panel discussing the long-running series. Moderated by Greg David, Editor/TV Critic, TV Guide Canada.

COVERT AFFAIRS PANEL: 2:30PM – 3:30PM          John Bassett Theatre Rm 102

AUTOGRAPH SESSION: 3:45PM – 4:15PMAutograph session tickets will be distributed at Panel Session. Keep an eye on our twitter account for autograph ticket giveaways.  

 Globe-trotting spy series Covert Affairs hosts a panel with top-secret details about the upcoming fourth season. An autograph signing will take place following the panel at the Showcase Booth from 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM with Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, Kari Matchett, Peter Gallagher and newcomer Hill Harper. Moderated by Christopher Jancelewicz, Entertainment Editor, Huffington Post Canada.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: www.showcase.ca
Twitter: @showcasedotca
Facebook: facebook.com/showcasedotca

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Ballroom 20 played host to USA Network’s Covert Affairs for their first Comic Con appearance, and the second panel of Thursday. Oded Fehr moderated the panel featuring Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Kari Matchett, Peter Gallagher and Anne Dudek, with producers Doug Liman​, David Bartis, Matt Corman and Chris Ord.

The crowd went absolutely crazy for Chris Gorman, practically deafening me, which was nothing compared to the noise when he was shirtless in the extended trailer. Co-creator Matt Corman gave a little insight into Auggie being blind, saying that he based the character on a friend who was in a life altering accident. He developed “levels of complexity” afterwards, and ultimately became a more interesting person. But the downside Gorman says is that he’s stuck in the office while everyone else globe trots.

Kari Marchett may not be as tough as her character, but she definitely has her humor. Anne Dudek has a simple request, probably the same as many of the girls and some of the boys in the audience, she wants to be in a scene with Chris Gorham's abs.

Turns out that Perabo, although extrodinary at picking up languages, isn’t fluent, and has a language teacher, Liman spills. A fan asks about a Burn Notice/Covert Affairs crossover. Gorham would love to see an Auggie/Fi story, and Perabo jumps in suggesting a Burn Notice/Covert Affairs/White Collar crossover. Not sure what the story line would possibly be, but that would be one I wouldn’t be able to miss.

And as for hints, Ramamurthy shares that one of his Heroes buddies was coming, likely Santiago Cabrera whose slated to guest star, and possibly provide some “shenanigans” with Annie. Corman teases that there will be “secrets from the sisters’ past” later revealed.

Attention came back to Gornam and the difficulty of filming action sequences while blind. "The trick is trying to find a way to make it believable," Gorham says. It was written into the script this week that Auggie could never let go of his opponent during their fight.

An audience member asked why Annie doesn't carry a gun. Is it to separate herself from spies who just "bust a cap" in their opponents all the time? Perabo laughs at this, commenting about the lack of show there would be if she could just “bust a cap” in someone, before getting serious. She said that Valerie Plame advised her on the pilot and that CIA operatives don't carry firearms in America.

The last fan question is if there are any plans to "fix" Auggie? Gorham without missing a beat: "Are you talking about, like, castration? I hope not." And the short answer, delivered by Liman is that Auggie being blind is not going away, that to fix it would be cheesy and disrespectful to all that they’ve done but castration is still on that table.

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