• Mediaweek, Tuesday, May 15, 2007 10:30 AM

Summer has become a big season for most cable networks and as they mature, so does their scheduling strategy. USA is launching a limited series "The Starter Wife" on May 31 and plans to use it to promote five other scripted series airing this summer.

Meanwhile, HBO is expanding to Mondays with new episodes of "Big Love" and Comedy Central will premiere the animated "Lil' Bush" on June 13, adding to its strong Wednesday slate. Also at USA, "Monk," "Psych," "The Dead Zone," "The 4400," and new series "Burn Notice" will all have original runs this summer. And with its audience skewing 55% female, the net hopes "Starter Wife" can appeal to them without neglecting men.

"The show is set in Hollywood, so there are beautiful women on the beach doing yoga," says Jeff Wachtel, USA executive vice president of original programming. "These are fun, sexy elements which have more of a traditional guy appeal."

Comedy's "Lil' Bush" is based on the premise that George W. and his top staff are kids, and while it is paired with "South Park," it is also "a great bridge to "The Daily Show" politics," says Lauren Corrao, executive vice president of original programming and development at Comedy Central.

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