Looking to add comedies to its slate of successful dramas, top-rated cable network USA has hired former ABC studios executive Melanie Frankel as its vice president of original comedy series.
The network, which is completing its sixth consecutive year as the top rated cable network, recently green-lit two comedies, an untitled project from producer Douglas McGrath starring Nathan Lane, Cheyenne Jackson, Ken Jenkins and Caroline Rhea, and "Paging Dr. Freed."
Also read: Nathan Lane Starring in New USA Comedy
"As we aggressively expand our scripted portfolio to include half-hours, this is the perfect time to add an experienced comedy executive to our team," said Bill McGoldrick, senior vice president of USA original scripted programming. "We feel lucky to have found someone with Melanie's keen instincts, depth of experience and collaborative spirit as we create our own distinctive brand of comedy with the most talented minds in the genre."
As director of comedy for ABC Studios, Frankel was the primary studio executive for overall/script deals with the Mark Gordon Company, Warren Littlefield Company, Stu Bloomberg, Mandeville, Coquette, Little Engine, Sally Bradford, Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley, Laurie Zaks/Beacon and Jennifer Weiner.
She was helped develop and oversee pilots for "Great State of Georgia," "How To Be A Better American," and "This Little Piggy," and served as the current executive for the CBS sitcom "Gary Unmarried."