Originally intended to be only a six-part miniseries, top ratings and Emmy nods supposedly prompted USA Network to make The Starter Wife a full-blown regular series.  Premiering in October, Debra Messing will reprise her lead role as Molly Kagan, the divorcee who must learn to live on her own after years of marriage to a Hollywood mogul who left her for a younger woman.

According to the network's executive vice-president for original programming, the series will premiere in October for 10 episodes.  Other than Messing, the cast includes David Alan Bashe as Molly's ex-husband, Kenny Kagen; Danielle Nicolet as Liz Marsh, Molly's new friend and the wife of an LA pro-baseball player; Brielle Barbusca as Jaden, Molly and Kenny's daughter and Hart Bochner as Zach, Molly's new love interest and teacher of her writing class.

The Starter Wife, the miniseries, premiered on May 31, 2007 and attracted 5.4 million viewers, with 2.8 million of them being adults aged 25-54 (the network's target demographic).  Ratings, however, steadily declined as the series continued.

The series garnered ten Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie (Debra Messing), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (Joe Mantegna) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie (Judy Davis). Only Davis won.

Davis has previously announced reprising her role as Joan McAllister, as one of Molly's two best friends.  Guest stars include Reggie Austin, as Liz's husband, Devon Marsh; Ronny Cox as Joan's husband, Pappy McAllister; Daniel Gerroll as David Shea, a controversial movie star who Joan meets in rehab; James Black as Felix, a successful action star with a secret; Krista Allen as Eve, Molly's nemesis at her daughter's school; and Alia Shawkat as Robin, a troubled girl that Joan befriends in rehab.  Returning this season in a special guest appearance is Joe Mantegna as Lou Manahan, former studio head and former boyfriend of Molly.

-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
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