Jim Jefferies' US series starts tonight

Jim Jefferies gets his American break tonight, when his sitcom Legit makes its debut on the FX network.

The 13-episode series revolves around a callous, self-centred heavy-drinking, dope-smoking, prostitute-loving stand-up contemplating fatherhood to become a better person.

It reflects real life, as Jeffries, a former hard-living comic, became a father for the first time in November with actress Kate Luyben – who plays a hooker in the new series.

Other storylines drawn from real-life incidents Jefferies that has already mined for comedy routines include his character trying to secure a prostitute so his wheelchair-bound brother can lose his virginity.

Co-star Dan Bakkedahl said: ‘It’s easy for comedy to be sick and offensive. To counterpunch that with the sweetness makes it unique.’

Legit has attracted plenty of press attention in the States ahead of its launch at 10.30pm Eastern and Pacific time tonight.

The Miami Herald called it 'is the most degraded, debauched and degenerate show on TV' – and not in a good way – but the Chicago Sun-Times said it was ‘toe-curling comedy that’s just as sweet as it is sick’ and the Las Vegas Review-Journal said the opener was a 'raunchy, uncomfortable, ultimately touching episode'

The Boston Globe said it was ‘full of material that relies on giddy vulgarity, political incorrectness, and sexual frankness’, with writer Matthew Gilbert adding: ‘I like Legit a lot, because not only does it make me giggle like a 13-year-old but it can be remarkably tender, too.’

And the New York Times called it an ‘aggressively indelicate comedy’ but added a more cautious note: ‘This show... is eager to raise your eyebrows. The question is whether it has any depth or insight to offer once it does. The evidence provided by the first three episodes is inconclusive.’

Here are some preview clips:

Published: 17 Jan 2013