USA Network Picks Up The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone, the hit series starring Anthony Michael Hall, has been picked up for a third season, as announced by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, series and longform programming, USA Network. The series is set to resume production this Fall.

"The Dead Zone is one of the top-rated shows on basic cable and we're confident that it will continue its strong performance in its third season," said Wachtel. "Lions Gate and Paramount have consistently delivered a top- quality show that we're all extremely proud of."

The Dead Zone premiere remains the highest-rated and most-watched original dramatic series debut in the history of basic cable.

Based on characters from the Stephen King novel, the series is produced by Lions Gate Television and Paramount International Television in association with Piller(2) and The Segan Company.

The series was created for television by acclaimed writer-executive producer Michael Piller (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager) and his son, supervising producer Shawn Piller.

The Dead Zone stars Hall as Johnny Smith, a man injured in a near-fatal car crash who emerges from a six-year-long coma with the blessing and curse of second sight. His startling psychic abilities allow him to see into the past and future through visions triggered by touch -- visions he is unable to ignore, especially when others are at risk.

Executive produced by Michael Piller and Lloyd Segan, the series also stars Nicole deBoer as Sarah Bannerman, Johnny's former fiancee, who is now married to the county sheriff and raising the son she conceived with Johnny on the eve of his tragic accident; Chris Bruno as Walt Bannerman, Sarah's devoted husband and a dedicated cop, who continues to develop what began as an uneasy alliance with Johnny through their work together in solving cases; John L. Adams as Bruce Lewis, Johnny's physical therapist and close friend; Kristen Dalton as Dana Bright, a local reporter with more than a professional interest in Johnny; and David Ogden Stiers as Reverend Gene Purdy, an ambitious televangelist who inherited a fortune from Johnny's late mother and still controls Johnny's trust.

Also continuing in their guest appearances are Sean Patrick Flanery in the role of Greg Stillson, a polished but ruthless young congressional candidate backed by Reverend Purdy, and Frank Whaley as a man from the future who makes contact with Johnny.