EXCLUSIVE: CBS takes an alternative approach to comedy development Much, a multi-camera improv series starring June Diane Raphael and Paul Scheer. The project is coming out Grace and Frankie Creator Marta Kauffman through her Okay Goodnight banner and Lionsgate Television. The project reunites Raphael with Kauffman after their run as a series regular Grace and Frankiewhich ran for seven seasons on Netflix.
Because of the comedy’s improvisational concept, after hearing the pitch, it was decided to record material for CBS executives rather than trying to write it through the traditional development process.
The proof of concept comedy featuring actors and comedians Raphael and Scheer, who have improv backgrounds, has already been filmed and directed by Alex Fernie, I understand. The footage is expected to be shown alongside CBS’ traditional comedy pilots ordered this season — both multicamera — a father-son sitcom starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. jump away, based on the strip, prepaid.
Kauffman and Hannah Canter of Okay Goodnight co-write the visual development project. The pair will executive produce alongside Robbie Tollin, Raphael and Scheer of Okay Goodnight.
Much is a multi-camera impromptu comedy about a couple in their late 30s who pour their life savings into their biggest venture yet: building a housing estate on unused studio land. But these house flippers get more than they bargained for when their new project turns into a nightmare.
It’s a departure for CBS, which after years of multi-camera comedy dominance has begun branching out into single-camera shows like hits Young Sheldon And ghosts. As networks look for ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded space, they are taking risks with new formats and development paths, as is the case with CBS and the fact, comes from the co-creator of one of the greatest multi-cam comedies in television history, Friendstrader.
Scheer was recently a series regular on Showtime Black Monday, to which Raphael returned. She is repped by MGMT Entertainment and UTA; He is with UTA.
In addition to seven seasons of Grace and Frankie, Okay Goodnight produced the Sundance Film Festival documentary See Allred.
Source: Deadline
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