Ealy, McGee to star in new USA series

NEW YORK, July 6 (UPI) -- Michael Ealy, Warren Kole and Jack McGee have signed up to star in "Common Law," a drama series to begin shooting next month in New Orleans, USA Network said.

The show is from CBS Television Studios and executive producers Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley, Jon Turteltaub and Craig Sweeny.

USA Network has ordered 11 episodes for the first season, USA Co-Presidents Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber said Wednesday.

"When CBS Television Studios sent us the script of 'Common Law,' we immediately fell in love with the writing, the characters and the premise," Wachtel and McCumber said in a statement. "We're very lucky to have the Wibberleys, Jon and Craig guiding the process on this show; and with Michael and Warren, we have two stars who bring out the best in each other."

"'Common Law' is about Travis Marks [played by Ealy] and Wes Mitchell [played by Kole,] two cops with a problem… each other," the cable network said in a synopsis.

"Wes, a methodical former lawyer with a passion for cars, gardening and his ex-wife, and Travis, a maverick ladies' man who served time in juvenile hall, can't stand each other," the synopsis said. "[A] dream team on the homicide squad but constant bickering got in the way of their work and the two ended up on probation. To revive their flagging professional relationship, their captain [played by McGee] sends them to couples therapy to help understand and resolve their conflicts. We soon learn that a successful relationship or partnership doesn't mean you have to like the same things; you just have to hate the same things."