USA Network will advance the 'Characters Welcome' brand by inviting a CIA linguist, an inner city trauma surgeon and a salesman turned morgue investigator among others to join the ambitious development slate for the 2008-09 season. A slate of three new pilot scripts, Covert Affairs, Operating Instructions and Stiffs, were announced today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions.

"Our development slate continues our commitment to creating uniquely appealing characters," said Wachtel. "Our goal at USA is not only to become the #1 destination for quality programming in basic cable, but to become the premiere brand across all media platforms."

USA was the #1 cable network in 2Q08, delivering more P25-54, P18-49, total viewers and households than any other network in basic cable prime. This marks the eighth consecutive quarter won by the network among ad-supported entertainment networks for P25-54, P18-49, total viewers, and households. Currently the network is on track to retain the title this year, which will mark three consecutive years as #1.

USA Network's upcoming slate includes:

Covert Affairs
For Annie, love seems to be have been lost in translation. A well-traveled linguist training at the CIA, Annie gets called up to Langley headquarters when her unique specialties are required in solving a critical case. Upon arrival, she's shocked to meet her new partner, Ben, the man who broke her heart when he unceremoniously dumped her many years ago -- when he couldn't disclose his joining the CIA. Being forced to work together reveals that there's clearly still strong chemistry, but for now, Ben's engagement to another woman dampens any smoldering possibility of a rekindled relationship. From Universal Cable Studios, written and co-executive produced by Matt Corman ("Deck the Halls") and Chris Ord ("Deck the Halls"). Dave Bartis ("Knight Rider") and Doug Liman ("Knight Rider," the "Bourne" trilogy) are Executive Producers through their company, Dutch Oven.

Operating Instructions
A top female trauma surgeon returns home from the horrors of Iraq to take a job at an inner-city hospital. As she immediately sets about saving lives, she quickly realizes that her battlefield exercises hardly prepared her for the ludicrous bureaucratic minefields of today's public health system and the romantic war games she's about to engage. From Conaco and Universal Cable Studios, written and executive produced by Judd Pillot and John Peaslee ("According To Jim," "8 Simple Rules," "Just Shoot Me"). Executive produced by Conan O'Brien ("Andy Barker, P.I."). and David Kissinger ("Andy Barker, P.I.").

Stiffs
Jack is a charming, fast-talking salesman whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly becomes a single father. Making mature, responsible choices doesn't come easy for Jack, but he decides to work nights so he can spend quality time with daughter Chloe during the day. The term nightshift takes on new meaning when Jack finds himself at the morgue transporting bodies, a job arranged by his brother Charlie -- a shy but brilliant medical examiner who continually buries his instinct that some "accidents" are in fact, murders. Soon, Jack's impetuousness forces Charlie to pursue those instincts, leading them to investigate these homicides and ensure that their victims find justice. Written and co-executive produced by Craig O'Neill (USA's Burn Notice) and Jason Tracey (USA's Burn Notice). Executive produced by Peter Guber ("Into the Blue," "Batman") and Elizabeth Stephen ("Brotherhood").

USA's previously announced project Royal Pains (working title) is being produced as a pilot starring Mark Feuerstein ("Good Morning, Miami") and directed by Jace Alexander (USA's Burn Notice, and White Collar (working title) is a cast-contingent pilot.