Including a raft of pilots

New TV channel London Live has announced yet another comedy series – a mockumentary about a ‘loveable idiot’

Ben Fromet stars in the six-part show, Average Joe, which he created with collaborator James Delow.

London Live head of programming Jonathan Boseley, who commissioned the show, said: 'This ambitious new series is a reflection of the massive commitment we have to making comedy a vital part to the London Live schedule.'

Comedy is missing a place where brand new comic writers and performers can find their feet, and be introduced to mainstream TV audiences. I am just so pleased that we can now offer that opportunity.”

London Live, which is owned by the Evening Standard, is also piloting other comedy ideas featuring new talent, as it has hired Dave and Gold commissioner Sarah Fraser to oversee its comedy output.

Boseley told trade magazine Broadcast: ‘I will be paying close attention to what our audiences think of the shows, especially the pilots. If audiences love them, it is highly likely they will be turned into series’.

The pilots include Doubt On Loan, created by Ian Aryth and described as being ‘like The Office set in a library’, which already has a trailer online:

There The Dafty Show, created by comedy duo Sheps and Caddy, which is described as a cross between The Fast Show and The League Of Gentleman:

Sniggaz With Attitude is a sketch series from comedian Jason Lewis, who has previously made online skits under that title for BBC Comedy.

Grass Roots is a mockumentary about a lower league football club, written and directed by Luke Flanagan and Matt Connolly. An online tester starred Edward Aczel:

The Charlie Hide Show features the drag queen behind Kandi Kane, who already has his own successful YouTube channel, featuring female celebrity impersonations:

Comedy will be a key part of the London Live schedule when it launches on March 31

The broadcaster is making another sitcom, All About The McKenzies, following its success as a YouTube channel, while Alex Zane will host a stand-up show.

It has also commissioned two comedies for its Raw ‘urban’ strand: The T-Boy Show starring Tolulope Ogunmefun, also known by his online name Don’t Jealous Me; and Brothers With No Game about four Londoners seeking relationships.

And it has acquired rights to air repeats of Spaced, Twenty Twelve and Peep Show.

Published: 13 Feb 2014