- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
USA Network is getting into the hacking business.
The NBCUniversal-owned cable network has greenlighted drama Mr. Robot to pilot, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
From Universal Cable Productions, Mr. Robot centers on a young programmer, Elliot, who suffers from a debilitating antisocial disorder and decides that he can only connect to people by hacking them. He wields his skills as a weapon to protect the people he cares about. Elliot will find himself in the intersection between a cybersecurity firm he works for and the underworld organizations that are recruiting him to bring down corporate America.
PHOTOS Summer TV Preview
Sam Esmail (Comet) will pen the script and executive produce alongside Anonymous Content’s Steve Golin (HBO’s True Detective) and Chad Hamilton (Breakup at a Wedding).
“Mr. Robot is a visionary drama,” USA Network president Chris McCumber said. “It is a very timely and relatable story that captures both the excitement and danger of today’s digital world.”
Mr. Robot joins CIA drama Stanistan as the network’s only drama pilots in the works. Robot was first put into development in May as part of USA’s development slate. It is the first of those projects to move forward.
If ultimately picked up to series, Mr. Robot would join a drama slate that includes Covert Affairs, Graceland, Suits, White Collar, Rush and Complications, among others.
Esmail is repped by ICM Partners and Anonymous Content.
Mr. Robot becomes the latest technology-focused project to come to broadcast and cable. It joins CBS’ CSI: Cyber, AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire as well as HBO’s Emmy darling Silicon Valley.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day