 USA, wanting to become the flagship cable channel and compete directly with the broadcast networks, committed to 26 half-hours of part exclusive off-broadcast network and part original programming for the 1986-1987 season at an increase of $30 million.In one case, the channel picked up "Airwolf" for 58 off-network episodes, while commissioning 24 new episodes without the original cast.One tradition on USA was an afternoon lineup of game show reruns mixed in with several original low-budget productions that aired over the years.