Mr. Robot’s Sam Esmail Lands New Series at USA Network

USA Network has picked up Briarpatch, starring Rosario Dawson (Rent, Seven Pounds) and executive produced by Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot).

Briarpatch, the first season in a new anthology drama series, is based on the Ross Thomas novel of the same name. It follows Allegra Dill (Dawson), a dogged investigator returning to her border-town Texas home after her sister is murdered. What begins as a search for a killer turns into an all-consuming fight to bring her corrupt hometown to its knees.

The series is written for television by Andy Greenwald, who will executive produce along with Esmail through his production company Esmail Corp and Anonymous Content’s Chad Hamilton. Ana Lily Amirpour directed the pilot and also served as an executive producer. In addition to her starring role, Dawson will serve as a producer. The show is from UCP and Paramount Television.

Additionally, Greenwald will join Esmail on UCP’s roster of overall deals, developing and producing premium scripted content for cable and streaming platforms.

“When we were first introduced to the anthology by Andy Greenwald, UCP and Paramount Television, we were immediately struck by the show’s unique tone and captivating story,” said Chris McCumber, president of entertainment networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “And Sam Esmail’s incomparable vision and style, coupled with Rosario Dawson’s tremendous performance as Allegra Dill, will no doubt leave audiences buzzing.”