USA Network
The USA Network is the top rated cable network in primetime and reaches more than 90 million households. In 1977 the station launched as the Madison Square Garden Network, but by 1980 the name was officially changed to the USA Network. The network was sold to Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2001, which became NBC Universal in 2004.1 USA Network shows a variety of programming, including original series, syndicated reruns of shows such as House and NCIS, sporting events, movies, and more.
Fast Facts
- Launched: September 22, 1977
- Owner: NBC Universal
- Slogan: Characters Welcome
- Sister network: Sci-Fi
- Competitors: A&E, TNT, FX
- USA HD was launched in 20072
- Current Original Series: Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, Dr. Steve-O, The Starter Wife, Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Wrestling
USA Network began broadcasting WWF (now WWE) Raw on January 11, 1993, live from Madison Square Garden.3 It was the first network to regularly air wrestling on a weekday, during prime-time. The success of wrestling programming led TNT to start airing WCW Nitro during the same timeslot. The two networks traded back and forth in ratings until the WWF moved Raw to TNN (now Spike TV) on October 10, 2000. Raw remained there for five years, resigning with USA Network in 2005. The program has averaged 5.07 million viewers since its return, and has extended its current deal with USA Network until 2010.4
Movies
Under the supervision of Executive VP of Programming, Jane Blaney, USA Network has begun acquiring basic cable rights to a variety of Hollywood movies.5 These include The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the Sex and the City Movie.
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