Two Comedy Series Get Renewals This Week, and More TV Comedy News
There has been so many announcements about comedies on tv this week that we’re putting them all together in one column. Here’s the rundown.
Bobs Burgers and Impractical Jokers Renewed
Everyone’s favorite hidden earpiece comedy, Impractical Jokers is going to get a fifth season. Sal, Joe, Murr and Q will get a 26 episode order from TruTV soon after their highly successful LIVE hour special last month. “Even after 100 episodes and the success of the Live Punishment Special, it’s clear that Joe, Sal, Murr, and Q have many more surprises up their sleeves,” said Chris Linn, president and head of programming for truTV. “We are thrilled to move forward with another season of hilarious challenges and unexpected punishments.”
Also renewed, FOX Network’s most resilient animated series, Bobs Burgers. Despite some frequent time changes over their first six seasons, Bob’s Burgers and its outstanding ensemble of comedy voices continues to be a solid performer and gets two more seasons. And they’ll be celebrating their 100th episode this spring. “Six seasons in, the Belchers have become one of America’s most beloved TV families, and we are so happy to keep them in the fold for another two seasons,” said Fox Broadcasting Co. Entertainment president David Madden said about the series renewal.
Jack Black, Dwight Yoakem, Bruno Mars Producing Musical Comedies
Jack Black and Dwight Yoakem will produce a single camera comedy with musical components for Fox called Belles & Whistles. The series about an unfulfilled father fired from a Silicon Valley job will be written and exeuctive produced by Eastbound & Down’s Alex McAulay form Eastbound & Down. After losing his job, the main character moves his dysfunctional family to Nashville for a chance at stardom.
NBC is giving a put pilot commitment to another musical comedy, this one produced by Bruno Mars. The family comedy is being written by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Prentice Penny about a loud boisterous Bronx family that takes in a wide eyed optimistic 10 year old. The musical element will come from a family band that will figure into the storyline.
Kevin James Returns to CBS
Kevin James is heading back to his King of Queens television home, CBS, to star in a multi camera comedy about a retired police officer looking to spend more time with his family, who has trouble adjusting to life at home. The series is untitled for now. James will co-wrie with King of Queens EP Rock Reuben, and Bruce Helford will act as showrunner.
“We’re beyond thrilled to be back in business with Kevin James!” said CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller. “He’s an incredibly talented star on every screen and every stage, who appeals to a broad audience. We can’t wait to start working with Kevin and the amazing comedy talents of Bruce Helford and Rock Reuben on this exciting new project.”
Key and Peele Show Runners Sell Comedy to ABC
Key & Peele executive producer and showrunners Ian Roberts and Jay Martel have sold a half hour series to ABC titled The Romeos. That stands for Retired Older Men Eating Out, and centers on an older odd couple of neighbors driving everyone around them crazy. Roberts and Martel are also producing and serving as showrunners on new series Teachers, debuting on TV Land in January.
