USA Network hires comedy exec

US cable broadcaster USA Network is further expanding its push into comedy series and has appointed ABC Studios’ Melanie Frankel as VP, original comedy series.

This comes after the NBC Universal-owned network ordered two comedy pilots earlier this year; Paging Dr. Freed, a medical comedy produced by Fox 21, and an untitled Douglas Mcgrath project, a single camera family comedy starring Nathan Lane and produced by Universal Cable Productions.

The broadcaster also recently acquired the off network rights to hit Fox sitcom Modern Family.

Frankel was formerly director of comedy at ABC Studios and she worked closely with writers and producers including Mark Gordon, Warren Littlefield and worked on pilots including Great State of Georgia and CBS’ Gary Unmarried.

She will report to Bill McGoldrick, SVP, original scripted programming, USA Network.

“As we aggressively expand our scripted portfolio to include half-hours, this is the perfect time to add an experienced comedy executive to our team,” said McGoldrick.