USA Latest to Get into the Telenovela Game

Futon Critic is reporting that novelas are part of USA's fall development slate. They would air at a half hour three times a week for thirteen weeks.

USA is also developing a new version of the popular 'telenovela' or serialized drama genre, which is being approached with a unique scheduling twist. Each week, USA will run three half hour episodes of a late night soap that will wrap up after a 13 week run:

THE HAMPTONS

A fun riff on the classic story "The Count of Monte Cristo" set in the rich and beautiful world of the Hamptons. When a mysterious man has bought the most impressive mansion in the Hamptons a group of long-time friends with a shared secret past find their lives forever affected by his presence. From Fox 21, written and executive produced by Andy Fickman ("Reefer Madness," "Who's Your Daddy") & Rick Draughon ("Days of Our Lives, "Another World").

SECRETS OF THE SPA

A breathtaking brand new spa on the outskirts of a desert community services both the jet-set flyovers as well as suburban locals looking for an oasis of calm. Spa owner Jeanne runs her empire of escapism with a publicly gracious but privately iron hand. The spa staff is an eclectic group with its own secrets and skeletons. When a handsome young doctor is hired as the spa's medical consultant, he discovers health hazards and threatens to close down the spa. With a soapy nod to Ibsen's Enemy of the People, this late night soap exposes the delicious, darker underbelly beneath a fabulous and glamorous facade. Perhaps this haven might just turn out to be a mirage. From World of Wonder, written and executive produced by Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato ("Party Monster," "The Eyes of Tammy Faye").