Adam Sandler's company set to remake BBC sitcom

BBC Two sitcom Hebburn is to be remade for American TV – with the help of Adam Sandler.

The Hollywood star’s production company Happy Maddison Productions has brought the rights to the series, which it is now developing for the ABC network.

Scriptwriter Tom Hertz – the creator of Spin City and Rules Of Engagement – has been brought in to write the episodes, based on stand-up Jason Cook’s originals. A pilot script has been developed, and news about whether it will be filmed is expected soon.

The news comes a month after the BBC decided not to renew the comedy for a third series.

Cook told Chortle: ‘It’s very exciting. Tom Hertz is heading up the writing so I'm not worried, he's been doing big shows for years, much longer than me.

‘The draft I've read is great, although it took me a few goes to read it in an American accent rather than a Geordie one. If it gets the green light I'll be popping over to LA, but I've not bought my sunscreen yet.’

The sitcom was based on Cook’s own experiences of growing up in the Tyneside town of the title. There is no news yet on casting for the US version. But the original starred comic Chris Ramsey as the lead Jack Pearson, Kimberley Nixon, as his wife and Jim Moir – better known as Vic Reeves – and Gina McKee as his parents.

Published: 30 Apr 2014