Nellie Andreeva

While the broadcast networks are largely retreating from original scripted programming this summer, leading cable network USA is prepping its largest original series summer slate with eight series: newbies Suits (aka A Legal Mind) and Necessary Roughness and returning shows White Collar, Covert Affairs, Royal Pains, Burn Notice, In Plain Sight and the the final season of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. USA will use its biggest shows, Burn Notice and Royal Pains, to launch its new series, Suits and Necessary Roughness, respectively. Additionally, the network’s first reality series in five years, WWE Tough Enough, will continue to air on Monday, bringing the total of USA’s original summer series to nine and its nights of originals to five. Interestingly, Friday, where USA launched its scripted ascent, is staying dark. Network chief Jeff Wachtel had indicated that reclaiming the night was a priority. Missing from the summer schedule is veteran Psych, which won’t return until the fall. Here is USA’s original summer lineup with premiere dates (new series in bold):

MONDAY

8 PM WWE Tough Enough

9 PM WWE Monday Night Raw

TUESDAY (premieres June 7)

9 PM White Collar

10 PM Covert Affairs

WEDNESDAY (premieres June 29)

9 PM Royal Pains

10 PM Necessary Roughness

THURSDAY (premieres June 23)

9 PM Burn Notice

10 PM Suits

SUNDAY (Premieres May 1)

9 PM Law & Order: Criminal Intent

10 PM In Plain Sight

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