Sky partners with America's FX to find new comedy hits

Sky TV has announced a new deal to develop comedies with its American sister company FX.

The two-year agreement between the two wings of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire will seek to finance new ideas with the hope of making commissions that could air both sides of the Atlantic.

A Sky spokesman said: ‘The goal is to create new shows that will sit alongside series such as Sky’s A Touch of Cloth and Alan Partridge’s Mid-Morning Matters and FX Networks’ Louie and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.’

Home-grown Sky shows that have previously been broadcast on US networks include An Idiot Abroad, Spy, Moone Boy and Doll and Em, which was made for Sky Living and HBO.

Eric Schrier, president of original programming for FX Networks said: ‘We are truly excited to partner with Sky and create comedies that will bridge the Atlantic and entertain audiences in both the UK and US.

‘This partnership will open doors for us to discover new comedy talent and develop their stories in this unique foreign exchange programme.’

Sky has been developing its comedy slate under executive Lucy Lumsden since 2009, and recently announced that Mount Pleasant, Trollied and Stella will all be back for fourth series.

Meanwhile FX Networks, which also makes Jim Jefferies’ sitcom Legit, has seven comedy pilots in various stages of production including:

• Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll created by and starring Denis Leary

• An untitled Zach Galifianakis project co-produced with Louis CK

• The Comedians starring Billy Crystal which was last night picked up for a full series.

• Do or Die starring Tracy Morgan

• How & Why created by Charlie Kaufman and starring Michael Cera and John Hawkes

• Man Seeking Woman from Simon Rich

• The animated comedy series Bigfoot from Seth Rogen

Published: 20 Mar 2014