‘Colony’ Alien Drama From Carlton Cuse Gets USA Series Order

USA Network has picked up Colony to series with a 10-episode order. Written and executive produced by Lost co-showrunner Carlton Cuse and Ryan Condal (Hercules), the alien-occupation drama stars Lost alum Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead). It is a co-production between Legendary Television and Universal Cable Productions, marking the second series order for Thomas Tull’s TV company, joining Judd Apatow’s Netflix comedy Love.

Set in the near future, Colony takes place in Los Angeles, which exists in a state of occupation by a force of outside intruders.  Some people choose to collaborate with the authorities and benefit from the new order, while others rebel and suffer the consequences. “Carlton and Ryan have created an intriguing ride that uniquely provides a humanistic take,” said USA president Chris McCumber. “Josh and Sarah have incredible on-screen chemistry and brilliantly play a couple making tough choices to protect their family in an uncertain world.”

With the order, USA has picked up two of its most recent crop of five drama pilots to series, joining Mr. Robot. The remaining 3 pilots are Evil Men, Queen Of The South and Stanistan. USA, which recently scaled down its original half-hour scripted comedy presence to focus on drama, has four new hourlong series already slated to launch this year — Mr. Robot, Colony, Matt Nix’s Complications and Tim Kring and Gideon Ragg’s DIG.

The Colony pickup gives Cuse four series on the air, including Bates Motel and The Returned on A&E and The Strain at FX. Additionally, he has pilot Point Of Honor playing on Amazon for series pickup consideration.