USA Network (commonly referred to as USA) is an American cable television channel launched in 1977. The channel shows a variety of original and second-run programming, from syndicated TV series (such as NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the relocation of Law & Order: Criminal Intent from NBC) to edited movies. It is notable for its original series, particularly WWE Raw, Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, Royal Pains, and White Collar.

History

Early years

USA Network premiered on September 27, 1977, originally organized as the Madison Square Garden Network (not to be confused with the New York City regional sports network of that name). The channel became one of the first national cable television channels when it chose to use satellite delivery as opposed to microwave relay to cable systems.

On April 9, 1979, the channel changed its name to USA Network after the ownership structure was reorganized under a joint operating agreement by the UA-Columbia Cablevision cable system (now known as Cablevision Systems Corporation) and MCA Inc./Universal City Studios (whose assets are currently owned largely by NBC Universal and Vivendi SA).