ABC orders 'fish out of water' comedy

Danny Wallace is set to star in his own American TV comedy show.

The ABC network has signed a deal for a pilot based on his forthcoming book Awkward Situations For Men.

The book, which is not due out until June, follows 33-year-old Wallace as he moves to America with his wife, only to discover that his behaviour clashes with the locals.

Jeff and Jackie Filgo, whose credits That 70s Show and an ill-fated attempt to make an American version of Peep Show, wrote the pilot script with Wallace.

The ‘fish out of water’ show is described by the Hollywood Reporter as a ‘hybrid comedy’, likely to combine elements of sitcom and reality TV.

Wallace started his career as a journalist writing about comedy, before moving into production – where his credits include the Mighty Boosh’s radio shows.

He co-wrote Are You Dave Gorman?, about the comedian’s quest to find his namesake, before chronicaling his own high-concept adventures such as Join Me, about starting a benevolent cult, and Yes Man, when he agreed to any suggestion put to him for six months. That book formed the basis of the Jim Carrey and Rhys Darby movie.

He has also hosted shows including Castaway, Test the Nation and School’s Out.

Published: 20 Dec 2009