http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2012-04-16/cable-tv-great-escape-local-talent/54328658/1
Cable networks are spreading their wings in search of new viewers.
In an increasingly crowded climate for original programming, several channels are moving beyond the genres on which they’ve built their successes.
•USA is expected next month to announce its first half-hour comedy series, a companion to the Modern Family reruns it will begin airing in fall 2013.
•Drama-heavy TNT this summer airs its first reality competition, The Great Escape, from the producers of Amazing Race.
•Similarly, A&E is developing a potential family competition series with Transformers producer Michael Bay.
•History is plotting Vikings, its first scripted drama series, from Michael Hirst (The Tudors).
•Hallmark Channel is using two upcoming movies as pilots for its first foray into original weekly drama series.