Hulu Developing a New Comedy Series REBOOT with Keegan-Michael Key, Johnny Knoxville, and Judy Greer
Hulu is set to develop a new comedy series titled Reboot. The project comes from creator Steve Levitan, and it stars Keegan-Michael Key, Johnny Knoxville, and Judy Greer. The project originally got a pilot episode order from Hulu last summer and the streaming service is now moving forward with a full series order. Leslie Bibb actually starred in the pilot episode, but she ended up being replaced by Greer.
The show is “Steeped in the irony of the television’s industry continuing inclination to reboot hit shows from the past, the series begins when Hulu reboots an early 2000’s family sitcom, forcing its dysfunctional cast is back together. Now they must deal with their unresolved issues in today’s fast-changing world.”
That actually sounds like a fun premise that should make for some great comedy! When talking about the series, Levitan said, “After working thirty years in TV comedy, this is both my love letter to sitcoms and, if I’m being honest, much-needed therapy.”
As for the characters in the show, “Key stars as Reed Sterling, a fussy actor on the fictitious family multi-cam sitcom, ‘Step Right Up,’ who graduated from the Yale school of drama and resents the show for ruining his career. Knoxville will play Clay Barber, a dark and filthy standup comedian who’s only real acting job was on the same bright and sunny sitcom. Greer stars as Bree Marie Larson, a small-town pageant girl who always dreamed of being an actress and a princess and both somehow came true. In addition, Rachel Bloom stars as the sitcom writer with a fresh take, Hannah; Calum Worthy plays Zack, the hyphenate movie star/hip-hop artist; and Krista Marie Yu plays a tech exec turned television creative exec, Elaine.”
Jordan Helman, head of scripted content for Hulu, added, “Steve’s incredible track record speaks for itself. ‘Modern Family’ was brilliant and massively appealing, making millions upon millions of viewers laugh week-after-week and quickly becoming a global sensation. We’re honored that Hulu will be home to Steve’s return to television with ‘Reboot’ and given our slate of successful comedies such as ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ ‘Pen15,’ ‘Ramy’ and more, we know our viewers will devour this hilariously meta satire.”
Karey Burke, president of 20th TV went on to say, “Steve Levitan is a comedy genius and his idea for ‘Reboot’ is as hilarious as it is timely. We’re thrilled that our friends at Hulu love this sly, wildly funny look at the television comedy business as much as we do. And the spectacular cast Steve’s assembled speaks to both the quality of the writing and the appeal of this platform as a home for smart, high quality television. Everyone jumped at the chance to come on board.”
I’m looking forward to seeing how this Reboot series turns out.