USA Network won't be going to "Stanistan" anytime soon.
The cable network has opted to pass on drama pilot Stanistan, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Starring Dexter alum Jennifer Carpenter, Stanistan followed the staff at the American compound in the Middle Eastern country of Stanistan, where State Department workers, covert CIA officers and journalists strike a delicate balance of danger and levity.
Carpenter toplined the Universal Cable Productions drama as public affairs officer Marcie Post. The character was described as hyperalert and always five steps ahead of the people around her. Stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Stanistan for the past four months, Marcie is the press officer for the State Department and paid to put the most positive spin on news from the region. Friday Night Lights alum Zach Gilford and Jonathan Cake (Desperate Housewives) co-starred.
From Universal Cable Productions, Andy Parker penned the script and executive produced alongside co-executive producers Richard Scarth, Mary Louise Vitelli and Project Nim's Maureen Ryan. Steve Scheffer was also an executive producer.
Stanistan, a departure for the NBCUniversal-owned cabler, was one of five drama pilots developed as part of USA's most recent pilot crop. Queen of the South and Evil Men are both still in contention, and Carlton Cuse's alien drama Colony as well as hacker entry Mr. Robot were both picked up to series.
For Carpenter, the timing actually works out, as the actress is pregnant with her first child and newly engaged with boyfriend Seth Avett.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
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