Shows in development

America’s IFC broadcaster has announced 11 new comedy projects as part of their development slate for 2018.

Network president Jennifer Caserta said: ‘These projects come from gifted creative teams and are great examples of the distinct comedic storytelling that embodies IFC’s trademark “slightly off” sensibility.’

The full list of projects, is

NGO

Mike is the gin-soaked but charismatic head of a private West African charity that he guides with a fist full of American cash in one hand and a rocket-launcher in the other. International conflicts and ‘non-governmental organisation philanthropy collide when Mike finds his unquestioned rule under siege as his estranged son Norman, the charity’s lawyer, arrives to tell his dad the party is literally over. Written and executive produced by Collin Friesen  (Sorry For Your Loss)  and executive produced by Oliver Platt (Golden Globe Nominee) and John Lyons (Boogie Nights, Austin Powers).

How To Rig An Election

Based on the book of the same name by former political consultant Allen Raymond, How To Rig An Election is a scathing satirical look at the electoral process through the eyes of a recently paroled political campaign manager who is pathologically determined to reclaim his place atop national politics. Written and executive produced by Emmy-nominated writer Tom Ruprecht (Late Show with David Letterman, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore).

Sherman’s Showcase

A sketch show inspired by the long running Soul Train, from writer-performers Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle. The show will travel through time via music and comedy drawn from the forty-year library of a legendary, but fictional, musical variety show called Sherman’s Showcase. Starring, written and executive produced by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon).  

Elna

A half-hour scripted comedy about what it’s like to be Mormon and lose your faith. Elna Baker, a 27-year-old virgin in NYC, must cross over to the dark side in her search truth, life experience and autonomy. Starring and written by by Elna Baker.

Greener Grass

Based on a short film of the same name, the small town of Greener Grass is a living Norman Rockwell painting whose welcome sign boasts ‘Nothing bad ever happens here.’ However, beneath the town’s gilded facade lies a world of bad things happening. Starring, written and executive produced by Upright Citizens Brigade alumni Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe. 

The Last Hotel Detective

Ainsley Steele is an in-house private detective employed by the historic and luxurious Palace Hotel to solve guests’ minor crimes and delicate mysteries. He is a character out of a Raymond Chandler novel living in a digital world and the last of his kind. Written and executive produced by Gabe Delahaye .

Dr. Taco

Based on the non-fiction book by the same name. Six American misfits, unable to get into medical school in the US, instead find themselves getting a very hands-on education in a small medical clinic in Mexico, deep in the cartel-controlled mountains of Durango. Written and executive produced by Mike Barker (Family Guy, American Dad) Carlo Hart, Evan Sandman, and Keshet Studios.

Bad Beta

A brilliant female scientist, with relationship issues, is forced to care for the botched version of a billion-dollar artificial intelligence cyborg she created that unfortunately has the personality of a frat-jerk/party guy. Written and executive produced by comedy writer Jay Kogen (The Simpsons, Fraiser, Malcom in the Middle).

New Hope

New Hope University is a well-known evangelical Christian college in the Midwest run by a world famous but aging and increasingly senile religious leader where a power struggle is afoot between jealous family members for control of the church and school. Written and executive produced by Boyd Hale (Late Night with David Letterman).

Frank and Lamar

Based on the IFC Comedy Crib series, Frank and Lamar are two best friends who live together and work together as middle school teachers in New York City. Workplace drama and romance issues cause havoc in their otherwise smooth friendship so they are forced to decide whether to stick together or go it alone. Created by and starring Carl Foreman Jr. and Anthony Gaskins.

Lee’s Kill List

Mama Tried

A show about the seamy underbelly of new motherhood, Mama Tried follows the struggles (and occasional triumphs) of Liz Callahan who’s finding that she could care less about being a ‘super-mum’- she just wants to survive. Mama Tried weaves Emily Flake’s darkly funny animation to help bring to life all of motherhood’s graphic, and sometimes gruesome, realness. Written by Emily Wilson (Cougar Town) and animated by and based on the graphic novel by Emily Flak.

The following are Comedy Crib digital series:


Janice and Jeffrey

Out comedians (and series creators) Matteo Lane and Mollie Merkel play a closeted (and delusional) couple named Janice and Jeffrey. They met at a Christian recovery program for converting gays into heterosexuals and got married the same week. When their marriage hits a rough patch, Janice and Jeffrey go to extreme lengths to solve their intimacy issues. Created by Matteo Lane and Mollie Merkel. Available now on ifc.com.

Commuters

Commuters follows Harris and Olivia as they move across the river to the suburbs for cheaper rent, earlier nights, and all the joys that come with no longer trying to be a young hip player in the city that never sleeps. Created by Jared Warner, Nick Ciavarella and Tim Dean. Available now

Neurotica

A dominatrix struggles with her OCD and fights to maintain her business when a fancy new MegaDungeon opens in her small town. Created by and starring Jenny Jaffe. Available from August 21

Published: 29 Jul 2017