TV News: USA Network Gets ‘Modern Family,’ Readies Other Comedies

CHICAGO – USA Network, having recently acquired the rights to the syndicated run of “Modern Family,” announced a couple of other comedies recently from some pretty big names in the genre, as well as some interesting choices.

Probably the most interesting choice comes in the form of “Regulars,” arguably the first realistic show set in a bar since “Cheers.” While “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” made Paddy’s Pub a household name, it looks like “Regulars” hook appears that most of the action takes place during karaoke night. Could this be a low rent, hysterical version of “Glee”? With drunken crooners and alcohol involved, what more could you want?

Mark Gordon of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame brings brings “Benched” to the network, about a recently divorced, fired, and hopeless attorney as she takes a job at a public defender’s office. The buzz words on this one are wacky, crazy, and upside-down personal life, so if you felt like “Ally McBeal” had too much upper class snobbery going on, “Benched” could be the show for you.

Keeping in line with USA Network’s new high-tech drama offering “MineFields” comes two comedies about entrepreneurial dreams. “The Dicicco Brothers” is about a up and coming tech guru whose uncouth family tags along with him all the way to silicon valley. “Social Network” meets “Beverly Hillbillies”? I didn’t say it, but someone in the pitch meeting sure did. Second in the white collar comedy bonanza comes “The Start Up,” about friends who want to get in, cash out, and make it big.

These new shows are joined by the previously announced “Paging Dr. Freed” about two brothers and gynecologists that have to take over their late father’s practice, and Denis Leary’s very exciting follow up to “Rescue Me”, “Siren,” which continues his tradition of picking a public service (in this case EMTs) and turning it into a playground for the human condition.

By Paul Meekin
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com