It's chucking out time...
Al Murray's US sitcom is rejected
Al Murray’s hopes of breaking into America have suffered a setback after his planned US sitcom was turned down.
The show, Union Jackass, would have seen his outspoken – and very British – Pub Landlord character coping with a reluctant move to Santa Monica, California.
A pilot episode was made for the Fox network, but the broadcaster, has now decided not to pick up the sitcom for a full series.
The pilot was written by Dan O'Keefe, who previously worked on Seinfeld, and made by Avalon Productions, the TV arm of Murray’s agents.
However, the company did have some success at the ‘upfront presentations’ in New York, where Union Jackass was ditched.
Avalon was commissioned to make six hour-long programmes for ABC called Greg Behrendt’s Wake Up Call in which the American author uses comedy and his own experiences to address couples’ relationship issues.
Meanwhile, Murray is continuing on his UK tour, and has also piloted a Saturday night variety show for ITV1 called The Pub Landlord's Happy Hour, which combines music, guests and audience banter.
Published: 20 Mar 2006
