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."
