Turner Broadcasting’s TruTV has greenlit three new series and a host of specials and development projects as it builds up the volume of original programming.
TruTV has billed itself as a comedy network since its October 2014 rebranding campaign. The channel primarily serves up unscripted series but last year added its first scripted comedy, “Those Who Can’t,” which has been renewed for a second season.
New series include “Jon Glaser Loves Gear,” featuring the actor-comedian exploring various types of gear and gizmos. TruTV has ordered 10 half-hour episodes of the series created by Glaser for production banner PFFR.
“Lifescaping” is described as a mix of sketches, man-on-the-street interviews and other elements designed to be a cheeky version of a self-help series. Matthew Latkiewicz and Abbi Crutchfield are set to host 13 half-hour episodes.
“Greatest Ever” is a pop culture-centric how-to series on topics ranging from weddings to sports to cute animal videos. Amanda Seales is hosting six half-hour episodes from Meetinghouse Productions.
Among the specials and pilots in development at TruTV:
Impractical Jokers Live Event Special (wt) – Two-hour live special debuting Fall 2016
Following in the high-wire footsteps of last year’s Impractical Jokers 100th Episode Live Punishment Special – a resounding success with more than 3.7 million viewers and 86 million combined social impressions – the series will once again embark on a massive live event special this fall. The stakes will be even higher this year – an impressive feat considering last year Joe, Murr, Q and Sal tested their balance and fear of heights with a high-wire walk from New York City’s South Street Seaport. The two-hour special will be produced by NorthSouth Productions.
I’m Sorry (wt) – Produced by The Lonely Island through their production company Kablamo! and Gloria Sanchez Productions
I’m Sorry is a scripted comedy written by and starring actor and comedian Andrea Savage about a seemingly confident, together comedy writer, wife and mom, who is forced to expose her inner immaturity and neuroses as life hands her situations no one could have prepared her for.
Small Victories (wt) – Executive Produced by Melissa Hunter and Debbie Liebling
Written by and starring Melissa Hunter, Small Victories is a scripted comedy centering around Margot, a young upstart lawyer, who after a minor nervous breakdown in court, finds herself disbarred, living at home with her parents, working as a barista and going to a book club with her three remaining friends. As she navigates her new reality, she becomes keenly aware of life’s daily injustices and forms an amateur vigilante squad to take on everyday jackasses while simultaneously trying to get her life back on track.
Untitled Hari Kondabolu Pilot (wt) – Produced by Marobru, Inc. and Avalon Television
Comedian Hari Kondabolu uses his incisive and critical brand of comedy to skewer all things politics and pop culture in this weekly, satirical series. From Columbus Day to the death of high school reunions to the United States’ soon-to-be white minority, Kondabolu isn’t afraid to go there, and uses a variety of interview, sketch and displays of public activism to deliver hilarious and oftentimes biting social commentary.
Untitled Kevin Pereira Project (wt) – Produced by Super Creative Media
Host Kevin Pereira has a searing passion for games, gadgets and exploring every questionable corner of the internet. This new series will let viewers experience how amazing the future will be before it arrives, while celebrating the absurdity of everything that has led to right now.
Untitled Olivia Lee Project (wt) – Produced by Red Hour Films along with Asylum Entertainment
UK comedian Olivia Lee takes on a wide range of hilarious and larger than life characters in this half-hour hidden camera meets sketch series. Known for her brazen and funny stunts in real-life situations, she’s now taking America by storm and hooking unsuspecting people along the way.
Untitled Comedic News Show (wt) – In development; Produced by Omelette Bar Productions along with True Entertainment
Comedian Jena Friedman and an ensemble cast of comedic performers will use this half-hour series to celebrate, send up, satirize and sift through politics, pop culture and all things new media.
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