TVSquad

USA is developing some new series. Here's what's on the menu:

The Negotiator, a show about a hostage negotiator who becomes a relationship counselor, is being developed by film producer Donald De Line (The Stepford Wives, The Italian Job).

Meanwhile, Battlestar Galactica co-executive producer Toni Graphia is developing American Girl, about a Wal-Mart employee whose personality changes after she witnesses a robbery. I was hoping for a show either based on the line of dolls, or possibly the Tom Petty song of the same name, but I guess this works, too.

Also, producer Kevin Brown (Roswell) is developing Family Values, about a group of FBI agents masquerading as a real family.

I like the concept of The Negotiator: a man using his skills as a hostage negotiator to help people in bad relationships, and the other two series may also have promise, though Family Values doesn't seem like the most inspired title for a series. Still, all shows will be keeping with USA's M.O. of developing shows with "high concept" characters such as Monk and Psych, an idea that has served the network well so far.

Other shows in development at USA include Burn Notice, about a former special operations officer who helps civilians; Spying in High Heels, a show about a fashion designer who also solves crimes; and The Oldest Rookie, about a man in his forties who becomes a police officer. In 2008, the network also plans to air In Plain Sight, starring Mary McCormack.