Comedy Central Orders 3 Series, 9 Pilots

04.18.2017

Comedy Central revealed three new series and nine pilots as it rolled out its 2017-2018 development slate.

New shows include scripted comedy Corporate, stand-up and music hybrid variety series The New Negroes and Taskmaster, based on the U.K. game show and hosted by Reggie Watts.

The nine pilots highlight talent such as Neal Brennan, Noel Wells, Awkwafina and Arturo Castro, along with a project from Saturday Night Live writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider.

"I'd say we're continuing to open up our aperture to new audiences," Comedy Central President Kent Alterman told The Hollywood Reporter. "It doesn't mean we're trying to appeal to everybody with any one show. When I got here, we were pretty much only doing shows by and for young white males. Now I think we're looking in all different directions at different sensibilities - and what goes along with them in terms of genres, formats and premises."

Alterman also said there's no word yet on Amy Schumer's return to Comedy Central, telling Deadline, "We are not putting pressure on her. We use the Larry David/Curb or Louis CK/Louie model - we're here, we have an agreement in place, it's up to her. We don't want to prevent her from doing the movies and the things she's been doing. When she is ready and has things she wants to say in this format, we're here."

Earlier this month, Comedy Central also revealed plans to launch The President Show in late night, starring comic and Donald Trump impersonator Anthony Atamanuik and premiering April 27, and a new fall show starring Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper in the 11:30 p.m. slot formerly held by The Colbert Report and The Nightly Show.

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Here's a look at the projects coming down the line:

NEW SERIES

Corporate

From Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman comes a dark, edgy look at life as a Junior-Executive-in-Training at your average, soulless multi-national corporation. Matt and Jake (Ingebretson and Weisman) are at the mercy of a tyrannical CEO Christian DeVille (Lance Reddick) and his top lieutenants, sycophants John and Kate (Adam Lustick and Anne Dudek). As Matt and Jake navigate an ever-revolving series of disasters their only ally is Hampton Deville Human Resources rep Grace (Aparna Nancherla). Executive produced by Ingebretson, Weisman, Bishop, who will also direct and Jake Fogelnest. Adam Londy and Ian Friedman are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

Taskmaster

Produced by Avalon Television, Taskmaster is based on the BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-nominated, internationally popular UK format. Reggie Watts will star as the Taskmaster who, with series creator Alex Horne as his loyal assistant, will judge five unwitting comedians as they compete against each other with creativity, cunning and genius in a series of stupefying tasks. Executive produced by Watts, Horne, Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett,

David Martin, James Taylor, Jon Thoday and Andy Devonshire, who will also direct. Kellyn Parker, Adam Londy and Jordan Ellner are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

The New Negroes Described by The New York Times as a show that "wants to do more than simply provoke laughter…Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle want to challenge ideas about what constitutes black entertainment and expand the discussion about black life in America," The New Negroes is a socially aware stand-up and musical series showcasing a collection of new and established comedians. Created, executive produced and co-hosted by Baron Vaughn, executive produced and co-hosted by Open Mike Eagle and executive produced by Gary Sanchez's Betsy Koch, Funny Or Die, and Lance Bangs, who will direct. JoAnn Grigioni, Anne Harris and Kellyn Parker are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

PILOTS

Alternatino

Based on the Comedy Central digital series, a half-hour sketch show hosted and performed by Arturo Castro ("Broad City") as he attempts to navigate life as a modern Latino millennial - whatever that means.

Delco Proper

Based on the Comedy Central digital series, centers around a group of buddies from Delaware County, PA, who've worked together in the same lumberyard for years. In that time, they've learned one thing for sure: It's hard to change in a town that doesn't. Written by John McKeever and Tommy Pope, with McKeever set to direct. Executive Produced by McKeever, Pope, Eric Abrams, and Sam Saifer of Avalon.

Home for the Weekend

Created, executive produced and hosted by comedian Neal Brennan, this mockumentary-style half-hour follows Neal and a celebrity guest as they take a weekend trip back to the guest's hometown. In each episode, things veer off the rails and pleasant strolls down memory lane take unexpected turns which reveal surprising backstories and hidden details about high-profile stars. Executive produced by Party Over Here's Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, along with Lindsay Hannon.

Power Couple

Created, written and executive produced by Noël Wells (who is attached to star) and Flint Wainess, Power Couple is the story of Flint and Noel, a neurotic 20-something couple in Austin, Texas navigating the existential horrors of the Internet age while constantly clashing with friends, neighbors, and the absurdity of the world around them.

Untitled Awkwafina Project Written by Nora Lum and Teresa Hsiao, executive produced by

Itay Reiss of Principato-Young Entertainment and Lum and co-executive produced by Hsiao, this half-hour scripted narrative focuses on a heightened version of Nora Lum, better known as rapper Awkwafina, as she navigates the underground hip hop community in Queens.

Untitled Chris Kelly And Sarah Schneider Project

Written by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, features two struggling siblings who are forced to reevaluate their lives when their much younger 12-year-old brother becomes instantly famous without trying. Chris Kelly (Other People) is set to direct. Executive produced by Kelly, Schneider, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer of Broadway Video.

Untitled Franchesca Ramsey Project

Led by Franchesca Ramsey, the most diverse set of comedians on TV will heal America through brutal comedy, surprising guests, and breakdowns of the most pressing cultural issues you never knew you cared about. Who knew the awful truth was so hilarious? Executive produced by Ramsey, Eric Brown and Andrew Kornhaber and Kara Welker of Generate.

Untitled Jak Knight Stand-Up Project

Jak Knight hosts an underground stand-up show featuring three comedians from different genres and a unique performance from an emerging musical artist. Produced by Den of Thieves, executive produced by Knight, Molly Mandel, Lisa Mierke, Jared Morell, Jordan Barrow, Evan Prager, and Jesse Ignjatovic and directed by Chris Storer.

Untitled South Side Project

This workplace comedy is set in and around a rent-to-own business on the Southside of Chicago.