USA NETWORK GIVES A SERIES ORDER TO EMMY AWARD-WINNING "THE STARTER WIFE"

USA NETWORK GIVES A SERIES ORDER TO EMMY AWARD-WINNING "THE STARTER WIFE"

EMMY AWARD-WINNER DEBRA MESSING RETURNS IN TITLE ROLE

NEW YORK, NY � October 19, 2007 � On the heels of its stellar ratings and Emmy success, USA Network has given a series order to the hit miniseries THE STARTER WIFE, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president of original programming for USA. Emmy Award-winner Debra Messing returns to star in THE STARTER WIFE and will serve as executive producer. The Emmy nominated writing team of Josann McGibbon & Sara Parriott ("Runaway Bride") return as executive producers. Gigi Levangie Grazer also returns as executive producer. The project will be produced by Universal Media Studios in association with McGibbon/Parriott Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment. Stephanie Davis ("The Caveman's Valentine"), Howard Klein ("The Office," "Carnivale") and Molly Madden ("Picture Perfect") will also serve as executive producers for 3 Arts.

Based on the NY Times bestselling novel by Grazer, THE STARTER WIFE is a sexy, savvy and wickedly funny tour de force about life after divorce and one woman redefining herself after years of marriage to a Hollywood studio head. With her signature wit, sassy style and cameos of the rich and famous -- and wannabe rich and famous -- it tackles the most delicious and dastardly details of a divorce and recovery, Hollywood style. The series will focus on the post-divorce adventures of the lead character, Molly Kagan (Messing) as she begins a new chapter in her life.

THE STARTER WIFE earned ten (10) Emmy nominations including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Messing, Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Judy Davis (won), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Joe Mantegna, Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or Movie for Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon, Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie, Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Part 1), Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or a Movie (Part 3) and Outstanding Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Non-Prosthetic). Davis won the Emmy for her performance.

"THE STARTER WIFE was a major cultural event, and an out-of-the-park home run for us," said Wachtel. "We're thrilled to reunite Debra, Josie, Sara and Gigi -- the world-class team of star and writers who were responsible for its success."

Messing is best known for her role as interior decorator Grace Adler from "Will & Grace" for which she won the 2003 Emmy and recently earned a 2006 Emmy nomination. Her performance has garnered her six Golden Globe nominations, five Emmy nominations and two American Comedy Award nominations, one individual People's Choice Award nomination, as well as winning the TV Guide Award 'Actress of the Year in a Comedy Series' in 2001. Messing has also been seen as lead in the feature film "The Wedding Date," and has costarred in numerous feature films including "Along Came Polly" with Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, Woody Allen's comedy, "Hollywood Ending," opposite Woody Allen and Tea Leoni, and"The Mothman Prophecies" opposite Richard Gere. Messing most recently wrapped production on "The Women" directed by Diane English and starring, Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett Smith and Eva Mendes. Upcoming projects include "Purple Violets" directed by Edward Burns, which screened in the Spotlight category at the 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in April 2007. Messing was also heard in the animated films "Open Season" with Ashton Kutcher and "Garfield."

The writing team of Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott are best known for their work on "Runaway Bride" with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. More recently, they worked at Disney Feature Animation, where they worked on "Rapunzel," "Chicken Little" and "Frankenweenie" for Tim Burton. They have additionally written for Sandra Bullock, Sid Ganis, Tom Shadyac and Sara Colleton. McGibbon & Parriott also wrote the story for "Three Men and a Little Lady."

Grazer's next book, Queen Takes King, will be published by Simon & Shuster in 2008. She is currently writing a one-hour drama pilot for NBC entitled "Wasbands and Wives," and her best selling book Maneater is being developed as a miniseries for Lifetime. She also wrote the 1998 movie "Stepmom" with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon and has been published in numerous periodicals such as People Magazine, Glamour, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.

USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 network in basic cable, USA Network is seen in nearly 94 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

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