Here’s your timely TV announcement for the day: USA Network has ordered hacker drama “Mr. Robot” to series. The pickup is the cable channel’s first from its existing pilot slate for the 2015-2016 season.
The USA announcement came shortly after the FBI officially named North Korea as the culprit behind the Sony hack attack.
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“Mr. Robot” is from writer and executive producer Sam Esmail (“Comet”) and executive producers Anonymous Content’s Steve Golin (“True Detective”) and Chad Hamilton (“Breakup at a Wedding”).
The series, which shoots in New York, stars Rami Malek (“24”), Christian Slater (“The Adderall Diaries”), Portia Doubleday (“Her”), Carly Chaikin (“Suburgatory”) and Martin Wallstrom (“Simple Simon”). The pilot was directed by Niels Arden Oplev (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”).
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“Mr. Robot” follows young programmer, Elliot (Malek), who suffers from a debilitating anti-social disorder and decides that he can only connect to people by hacking them. He wields his skills as a weapon to protect the people that he cares about. Elliot will find himself in the intersection between a cybersecurity firm he works for and the underworld organizations that are recruiting him to bring down corporate America.
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“’Mr. Robot’ could not be more timely and relevant,” said Chris McCumber, president of USA Network. “The creative team behind this series has done a brilliant job, taking viewers on a wild ride that leaves them wanting more. Rami gives a masterful performance as a hacker and unlikely hero, alongside Christian, who is perfectly cast as Mr. Robot.”
“Sam’s vision for ‘Mr. Robot’ is terrific and transgressive, and Niels has given the show a breathtakingly original look,” added Jeff Wachtel, president and chief content officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
