USA Network Announces Series Pickup for DARE ME

USA Network announced a series pickup for Dare Me from UCP in association with Film 44. Based on the acclaimed novel by Megan Abbott, who serves as writer and executive producer along with Gina Fattore (Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls, Californication"), Dare Me is an unflinching exploration of teen angst, jealousy, loyalty, and the dynamics of power in a small Midwestern town. Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and Michael Lombardo of Film 44, Sarah Condon and Karen Rosenfelt executive produce. Netflix will co-produce and have first-run rights to the series outside of the U.S.

Peering behind the all-American facade, the series dives into the cutthroat world of competitive high school cheerleading. It follows the fraught relationship between two best friends (Herizen Guardiola and Marlo Kelly) after a new coach (Willa Fitzgerald) arrives to bring their team to prominence. While the girls' friendship is put to the test, their young lives are changed forever when a shocking crime rocks their quiet suburban world. Part coming-of-age story, part small-town drama, part murder mystery, Dare Me exposes the physical and psychological extremes that some young women are willing to endure in order to get ahead. Academy Award-nominated director Steph Green (The Americans) directed and executive produced the pilot.

"Megan Abbott's voice brings a fresh perspective to USA Network, with a gripping, female-focused story that combines the ultra-competitive world of high school cheerleading with the SECRETS of a seemingly-perfect small American town," said Chris McCumber, President, usa network and SYFY.

Dare Me stars Fitzgerald (Scream: The TV Series) as Coach Colette French, Herizen Guardiola (The Get Down) as Addy Hanlon, and Marlo Kelly (Home & Away) as Beth Cassidy. Additional series regulars include Rob Heaps (Imposters), Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries), and Paul Fitzgerald (Veep, Glow, Younger). Joyful Drake (Let's Stay Together), Tammy Blanchard (Tallulah, Into the Woods), Antonio J. Bell (Nigerian Prince), and Alison Thornton (Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce) are also set to recur.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of USA