'Dexter' alum Jennifer Carpenter joins USA's Middle Eastern drama 'Stanistan'

Jennifer Carpenter may soon be returning to cable TV. The Dexter alum has been tapped to star in USA’s pilot Stanistan, EW has learned.

The drama follows the staff at the American compound in the Middle Eastern country of Stanistan, where State Department workers, covert CIA officers and journalists strike a delicate balance of danger and levity. Carpenter will play Public Affairs Officer Marcie Post, the daughter of a well-respected diplomat who becomes the newly appointed spin-master for all U.S. government activity in Stanistan.

Following her turn as foul-mouthed cop Debra Morgan on Showtime’s Dexter, Carpenter was slated to star in ABC’s drama pilot Sea of Fire, which failed to garner a pickup this past pilot season.

Stanistan was written by Andy Parker, who will serve as supervising producer, while Richard Scarth, Mary Louise Vitelli, and Maureen Ryan will co-executive-produce. Steve Scheffer will also executive-produce.