New shows as NBC launches laughs on demand

America is to get a new Netflix-style subscription channel showing only comedy.

Media giant NBCUniversal is launching Seeso for $3.99 a month (£2.50) – less than half Netflix’s most popular package.

The ad-free service will be available from January and feature original series and stand-up – including a new show from Community creator Dan Harmon – as well as NBC archives.

Among its offering will be the dark family comedy Flowers that Julian Barratt and Olivia Colman are making for Channel 4; and Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane – featuring the Australian musical comic/puppet double act.

Another show, Before the Morning After, was filmed at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe at 2am, featuring comics getting drunk in a diner. Those taking part include Jena Friedman, Alex Edelman, Greg Proops.

There will also be a sizeable archive include Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Kids in the Hall, the US and UK versions of The Office, 30 Rock, he Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd, Nathan Barley and The Young Ones,

‘Big streaming services have created a paradox of choice – they’re great if you know exactly what to watch, but if you aren’t in the middle of a binge, the search can be near endless,” said Evan Shapiro, executive vice-president of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. “By focusing on a specific, yet large niche, and providing a curated experience, we can help viewers find good stuff they might not or cannot find. Seeso is your neighbourhood comedy eatery, with daily specials from a chef you trust.”

Seeso has pledged to offer more than 20 exclusive, original series in the first year. Original shows include HarmonQuest, a comedy epic, combining live action and animation from Dan Harmon; The UCB Show from the Upright Citizens Brigade and stand-up series Night Train With Wyatt Cenac,

The new series it’s making are:

Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ (8x30 mins)

A half-hour, semi-scripted comedy with an ensemble of seven real estate agents set against the backdrop of a luxury, cut throat LA real estate firm. Created and Executive Produced by Kulap Vilaysack. Executive Produced by Tom Lennon, Ben Garant, Scott Aukerman and David Jargowsky. Production services by Comedy Bang! Bang! Productions for Paramount Television.

Before the Morning After (10x15)

A late night comedy entertainment show featuring the world’s best comedians getting drunk in a diner at 2am at the world’s largest festival. Hosts include Jena Friedman, Alex Edelman, Greg Proops, and more. Executive Produced by Gary Reich for Brown Eyed Boy.

Big Jay Oakerson's What's Your F*@#ing Deal (8x30)

Let go of pretension and leave your ego at the door as Big Jay Oakerson leads a pack of comics in a completely improvised show based on interactions with the crowd. Starring and Executive Produced by Jay Oakerson. Executive Produced by Cris Italia, David Kimowitz, Lou Wallach, and Frank Mosca.

Dave & Ethan: Lovemakers (6x30)

A comedic sketch and gameshow that makes impromptu love connections between contestants plucked off the streets of New York City. Starring and Executive Produced by Dave Ahdoot and Ethan Fixell. Executive Produced by Jen Danielson, Ashley Bearden and Josh Poole for Above Average.

Flowers (6x30)

An imaginative, cinematic comedy about an eccentric family - The Flowers - struggling to hold themselves together. Starring Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt. Written and Directed by Will Sharpe. Executive Produced by Naomi de Pear and Diederick Santer for Kudos. A co-production with Channel 4.

Gentlemen Lobsters (8x15)

Based on the hit GQ series, Garrett and Quinn are best friends and roommates struggling to survive the devastating reality that is being a twenty something lobster. Starring and Executive Produced by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. For Condé Nast Entertainment, Executive Producers are Dawn Ostroff, Michael Klein and Jed Weintrob. For HotHouse Productions, Executive Producers are Michael J. Rizzo and Sean Conroy.

HarmonQuest (10x30)

A comedic journey into the hilarious world of fantasy roleplaying with Dan Harmon and his Comedian Companions. Starring Dan Harmon, Spencer Crittenden, Erin McGathy, and Jeff Bryan Davis. Created and Executive Produced by Dan Harmon and Spencer Crittenden. Produced by Starburns Industries and Universal Cable Productions.

Hidden America with Jonan Ray (9x30)

A fake travel show where the places are real but the people aren't. Starring Jonah Ray. Executive Produced by Ray, Troy Miller, Alex Murray, Todd Sellers and produced by Dakota Pictures.

Live From The Barrel House (8x60)

A live stand-up series set at the famed Barrel House in San Francisco and featuring showcase performances from top comedians. Executive Produced by Rooftop Comedy.

New York’s Funniest (4x30 & 1x60)

Launched in 2008 and set at the famed Carolines on Broadway, the “New York’s Funniest” competition is open to any and all performers from around The Big Apple — the comedy mecca — who think they have what it takes to be “New York’s Funniest.” Executive Produced by Caroline Hirsch, Louis Faranda, Andrew Fox, and Lou Wallach.

Night Train with Wyatt Cenac (6x60)

A freewheeling mix of stand up, music and other surprises, where anything can happen and anything is welcome, Night Train with Wyatt Cenac captures the amazing talent and spontaneity that has made the live show a staple of the New York comedy scene for the past three years. Starring and Executive Produced by Wyatt Cenac. Produced by Avalon Television Inc., with Marianne Ways as Executive Consultant.

Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane (6x30)

A musical comedy about two mismatched housemates from the acclaimed comedic duo, Sammy J – a human – and Randy – a purple puppet. Starring Sammy J and Randy. Created and written by Sammy J & Randy. Produced by Donna Andrews, Co-Producer Chris McDonald, Directed by Jonathan Brough, Sticky Pictures Executive Producers Donna Andrews & Stu Connolly ABC Executive Producers Rick Kalowski & Brett Sleigh. A Sticky Pictures Production in association with the ABC TV, Screen Australia and Film Victoria.

Soul Mates (6x30)

The story of two kindred spirits trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth, exploring love, loyalty and fashion in four different lifetimes. Starring Nick Boshier and Christiaan Van Vuuren. Created by Christiaan Van Vuuren, Connor Van Vuuren and Nick Boshier. Written and directed by Connor Van Vuuren and Christiaan Van Vuuren. Produced by Chloe Rickard. Executive Producers Rick Kalowski, Greg Waters and Abe Forsythe. A Van Vuuren Bros and Ludo Production in association with ABC TV, Screen Australia and Screen NSW.

Take My Wife (working title) (6x30)

A half hour single-cam series that follows a young married couple as elements of their domestic lives provide material for the underground standup showcase they co-host. Starring and Executive Produced by Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher. Executive Produced by Scott Aukerman and David Jargowsky for Comedy Bang! Bang! Productions.

The Amazing Gayl Pile (10x15)

A scripted series about one man's misguided quest to conquer the world of home shopping. Starring and Executive Produced by Morgan Waters and Brooks Gray. Executive Produced by Matt King and Andrew Ferguson for LaRue Entertainment in association with Tom Spriggs for The Coronel Group, Jonathan Stern for Abominable Pictures, Paul Scheer for 2nd Man on the Moon and Becca Kinskey.

The Comedy Show Show (8x60)

A series highlighting the best themed comedy shows across the U.S., from panel shows to contests to comedy storytelling. Executive Produced by Rooftop Comedy.

The Cyanide & Happiness Show (10x15)

An animated comedy series based on the popular web comic, which has cultivated a passionate online following with more than 4.9 million YouTube subscribers and 821 million views, including a record 117 million monthly views this past August. Created and Executive Produced by Rob DenBleyker, Kris Wilson and Dave McElfatrick of ExplosmEntertainment, and Executive Produced by Collective Digital Studio.

The UCB Show (8x30)

A weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up homegrown at the UCB Theatres in LA and NYC. Hosted by Upright Citizens Brigade co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh and filmed with a live audience at UCB Sunset in Hollywood. Executive Produced by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, Bart Coleman, and Lou Wallach.

Thingstarter (6x15)

A workplace comedy with reality elements, Thingstarter is about a startup company that develops ridiculous yet plausible products and takes them into the real world to get feedback from real people and experts. Created and Executive Produced by Lucas Klauss, Matt Moskoviac, and Ben Stadler. Executive Produced by Jen Danielson, Ashley Bearden, and Josh Poole for Above Average.

Stand-Up Specials:

Besser Breaks The Record, Rory Scovel: The Charleston Special and an untitled Cameron Esposito Stand Up Special, all an hour long.

Published: 15 Oct 2015