Matt LeBlanc stars in transatlantic comedy

The fraught business of taking a British comedy hit across the Atlantic is itself to become the subject of a new sitcom.

Friends star Matt LeBlanc is to play himself in the six-part series Episodes, described as 'the story of a British couple who try to recreate their UK comedy hit for American TV with disastrous results'.

The show itself is a transatlantic affair, being produced for both BBC Two and American cable network Showtime.

It has been written by David Crane, who worked on Friends, and Jeffrey Klarik, whose credits include Mad About You, for transmission next year.

It is being made by Hat Trick, which coincidentally happens to be trying to make its big hitter, Have I Got News For You, work in America,

Managing director Jimmy Mulville said: ‘These are some of the best scripts I've read in a long time by two writers at the top of their game. 

‘To have the opportunity to make a show with David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, with Matt LeBlanc playing a hilarious version of himself, and then to make that show for both Showtime and the BBC, whose combined portfolios of comedy are second to none, is both a thrill and a great privilege.

Matt LeBlanc added: ‘Jeffrey and David have a great idea – I love it.  I am also so glad I got the part; seeing someone else playing Matt LeBlanc would have been devastating.’

The series will be produced by David Crane, Jeffrey Klarik and Jimmy Mulville with Simon Wilson as executive producer for the BBC.  It will be shot next year in London and Los Angeles. 

Published: 30 Sep 2009