USA commits to 'White Collar' crime

Matthew Bomer on 'Chuck'

Credit: Adam Taylor/NBC

USA has given the greenlight to "White Collar," sending the drama to series.

The Fox Television Studios production focuses on a pair of long-time adversaries, a charming criminal mastermind (Matthew Bomer) and a dogged G-man (Tim DeKay). Facing capture and jail-time (or the tsouris of breaking out of prison once again), the con artist offers to help his FBI contemporary track down other criminals in exchange for his freedom.

In addition to Bomer ("Chuck") and DeKay ("Tell Me You Love Me"), "White Collar" stars Tiffani [No more "Amber"] Thiessen ("Saved By the Bell," "Beverly Hills, 90210") and Will Garson ("Sex and the City").

"'White Collar' is the perfect complement in our hot summer line up of character-driven originals that continue to draw loyal audiences to USA Network," say Jackie de Crinis, USA's vice president for original scripted programming. "The strength of the show's lead characters, smart writing and crisp direction are key elements that we believe are the tentpoles of another compelling series." 

The series was created by Jeff Eastin ("Hawaii"). The 90-minute pilot was directed by Bronwen Hughes ("Burn Notice") and will be followed by 13 hour-long episodes. "White Collar" will be shot on location in New York.

This is USA's second pilot pickup of the year, following "Royal Pains," starring Mark Feurerstein, which was ordered in January. "Royal Pains" will similarly launch with a 90-minute pilot, followed by 11 hour-long episodes.