USA may keep ‘Starter’ going

The USA Network will consider turning its limited series “The Starter Wife” into an ongoing series if viewers continue to watch in similar numbers as they did for the premiere last Thursday night, said Jeff Wachtel, USA’s executive vice president of original programming.

The other key determining factor would be whether actress Debra Messing, who stars as a Hollywood producer’s ex-wife, would be willing to continue in the role.

“We are always looking at long-term prospects of any show we launch,” Wachtel said. “It’s hard to imagine it with someone else. There’s no deal in place with Debra, so it would be a conversation.”

The object of a widespread marketing campaign, the first installment of “The Starter Wife” averaged 5.4 million viewers, 2.88 million in the 18-to-49 age category that many advertisers prize -- the network’s best launch since “The 4400” three years ago. That miniseries became a regular series.

“The Starter Wife” will run as a weekly hour on Thursdays through June 28.

-- Lynn Smith