USA pops its 'White Collar'

By Rick Porter, Zap2It.com | April 24, 2009

Matthew Bomer, 'Traveler'

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New series will star Matthew Bomer, Tim DeKay

USA is adding another series to its roster of originals, picking up a show about a con man and his FBI nemesis called "White Collar."

The cable channel has ordered 13 episodes of the show, in addition to a 90-minute pilot. There's no word yet on when it will premiere, although it could be on by late summer or fall.

"'White Collar' is the perfect complement in our hot summer line up of character-driven originals that continue to draw loyal audiences to USA Network," says Jackie de Crinis, who oversees scripted programming at USA. "The strength of the show's lead characters, smart writing and crisp direction are key elements that we believe are the tentpoles of another compelling series."

"White Collar" stars Matthew Bomer ("Chuck," "Traveler") as con artist Neal Caffrey and Tim DeKay ("Tell Me You Love Me") as Peter Burke, an FBI agent who's been pursuing Neal for years. He finally catches Neal, only to see the criminal escape from prison. When Peter brings Neal in again, Neal proposes a deal: Rather than go back to prison, he'll work with the bureau to help catch other criminals.

Tiffani Thiessen (most recently of "What About Brian") and Willie Garson ("Sex and the City") will also star. Jeff Eastin ("Hawaii") created the show.

It will be the second new series to hit USA this year. The medical show "Royal Pains" is slated for a summer premiere.