USA NETWORK GREENLIGHTS "ROYAL PAINS" STARRING MARK FEUERSTEIN

New Original Series is first USA production from Universal Cable Productions

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA � January 6, 2009 � USA Network announced today that it has picked up the original series ROYAL PAINS (working title), starring Mark Feuerstein ("What Women Want," "In Her Shoes," "Good Morning Miami"). The 11-episode order is the first original series production from Universal Cable Productions for USA Network. ROYAL PAINS will also star Paulo Costanzo ("Joey"), Jill Flint ("Gossip Girl") and Reshma Shetty ("30 Rock"). The announcement was made today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, original programming, USA Network and co-head, original content, Universal Cable Productions.

"Like all of our scripted series, ROYAL PAINS is a new take on a successful genre," said Wachtel. "Andrew's pilot script has a great mix of humor and humanity; Jace gave the pilot a clean and contemporary style; and Mark brings a unique combination of warmth and intelligence to the lead role. ROYAL PAINS should be the perfect addition to our winning line-up."

ROYAL PAINS is executive produced by Rich Frank ("Comanche Moon"), Paul Frank ("Comanche Moon") and Jeff Kwatinetz ("Big Momma's House") from Prospect Park and written and co-executive produced by Andrew Lenchewski ("UC: Undercover"). John Rogers ("Hide & Seek") serves as co-executive producer. Jace Alexandar (BURN NOTICE, "Warehouse 13") directed the pilot and will serve as directing producer on the series. The pilot featured guest appearances by Campbell Scott ("Six Degrees") and Christine Ebersole ("Saturday Night Live").

ROYAL PAINS centers on young doctor Hank Lawson (Feuerstein) who seems to have it all ... thriving career, beautiful girlfriend, and swank NYC apartment. With one fateful and principled decision in the ER, Hank loses it all. Months later, single and blackballed from the medical community, Hank goes for a weekend in the Hamptons with his brother (Costanzo). Crashing a party at a mega-mansion on the beach, Hank jumps into action when a guest requires medical attention that only he is able to diagnose. The next morning, Hank is summoned to another mansion�and then another. Hank's career is revived, but in a way he's not exactly happy about, as he becomes the on-call doctor for the rich, famous and infamous. Anyone who's anyone in the Hamptons has a lawyer on retainer. Now meet the newest accessory � the concierge doctor.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in 94 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

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