Burnham lands US sitcom deal

Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Bo Burnham has landed a deal for his own MTV sitcom.

The 20-year-old – who won the Foster’s panel prize last month – has signed up to make a pilot of the as-yet untitled show about a fame-hungry teenager.

Burnham, who shot to prominence through YouTube clips filmed in his bedroom, said it would be ‘about a kid fresh out of high school who's pursing the new American dream of being a celebrity without having any talent’.

He will write the script, as well as being one of the executive producers. The US network has ordered a ‘put pilot’ of the show, which means it will have to pay substantial penalties if it is not aired, almost guaranteeing a broadcast slot.

MTV executive David Janollari told Hollywood trade magazine Variety: ‘[Burhnam] had a such a great take on who he is and what the post-high school millennial generation experience is all about.

‘Everything he said and talked about felt so authentic, and that authenticity was the most important thing. This is all about taking his voice and vision and putting it into a half-hour comedy.’

Burnham is already working with Judd Apatow on a musical comedy film, while his first stand-up special – of the Words Words Words show he brought to Edinburgh – airs on Comedy Central in the States on October 16.

Published: 8 Sep 2010