New drama series follows divorced ex-first lady

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- USA Network says it has picked up "Political Animals," a 6-hour miniseries about a fictional former first family, from Warner Horizon Television.

The cable network's co-presidents, Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel, announced Monday the series from creators Greg Berlanti and Laurence Mark is slated to premiere this summer.

The network described the show as "a bold and significant look at a fictional former first family in turmoil."

"Elaine Barrish, a divorced former first lady and current Secretary of State, struggles to keep her family together while simultaneously dealing with the crises of the State Department. She finds an unlikely ally in Susan Berg, a famous D.C. journalist who has spent her career tearing Elaine down," a synopsis said.

"We've been chasing Greg for years," Wachtel said in a statement. "We can't think of a better partner to be working with as we expand the storytelling reach of the network."

Casting has not been announced yet.

Berlanti's producing credits include "Brothers & Sisters," "Dirty Sexy Money" and "Dawson's Creek."