or


[01/13/14 - 08:30 AM]
FOX Inks Multi-Year Deal with The Lonely Island, Forming New Alternative Comedy Development Venture
Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone will oversee the development of comedy projects that will be incubated through digital platforms, such as Hulu and Roku.

[via press release from FOX]

FOX INKS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH THE LONELY ISLAND, FORMING NEW ALTERNATIVE COMEDY DEVELOPMENT VENTURE

Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone to Develop Alternative Pipeline of Next-Generation Comedy Series

Continuing its strategy of innovating outside the traditional TV development process, Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has entered into a strategic pact with multi-hyphenate comedy trio and Grammy Award-nominated performers The Lonely Island. Through the new company, The Lonely Island will oversee the development of comedy projects that will be incubated through digital platforms, such as Hulu and Roku, with the ultimate goal of becoming full series on FOX, FX, FXX or other networks.

"This is FOX's third alternative development venture, and I'm ecstatic that we're launching it with comedic geniuses The Lonely Island," said Kevin Reilly, FOX's Chairman of Entertainment. "I've admired Akiva, Andy and Jorma's work for many years, and they share our desire to give creators more independence and the opportunity to take risks. These guys know what it takes to break through - whether online or on air - and they are the perfect partners to help us find the next generation of comedy hits."

"Andy, Jorma and I are super excited to work with Mr. Reilly and everyone at FOX to make innovative and cool TV shows that might not otherwise make it through the normal development process. Reilly has given us a sandbox to play in, and we've brought our shovels, buckets, towels, sunblock, some old Grisham paperbacks, a Luna bar - wait - what was I talking about again?" said Akiva Schaffer.

"It's vital that we foster more experimentation both on and off the Fox lot, so we can take more shots at identifying hits. We are committed to providing The Lonely Island all the support they need for success," added Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, Senior Vice President of Multi-Platform Programming for FOX.

FOX's partnership with The Lonely Island marks the network's third multi-platform development initiative. In 2012, FOX launched ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF, its alternative animation unit. In 2013, the network announced a strategic deal with digital studio WIGS, created by television and feature film producers Jon Avnet and Rodrigo Garcia.

Friends since childhood (they hail from Berkeley, CA), comedic rap trio The Lonely Island - comprised of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone - coined their name from the cramped West Coast apartment they shared as comic start-ups. In 2005, the trio joined "Saturday Night Live" (Samberg as a cast member and Taccone and Schaffer as writers/directors). The Lonely Island are responsible for creating the popular "SNL Digital Shorts," which re-invigorated the series and spurred many water-cooler moments. Some notable shorts include "D**k In A Box," "Lazy Sunday," "I'm On A Boat," "Jack Sparrow," "YOLO" and "The Natalie Portman Rap." In 2007, the trio won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for "D**k In A Box" and a Peabody Award for the 2008/2009 season. Taccone and Schaffer have also been honored with WGA Awards.

The trio boasts 1.24 billion overall views on their YouTube channel, as well as three Platinum singles ("I'm On A Boat," "Jizz In My Pants" and "I Just Had Sex") and one Gold single ("Like A Boss"). The Lonely Island's debut album, "Incredibad," was released by Republic Records in February 2009 and is the first comedy album to reach No. 1 on iTunes. Their 2011 sophomore album, "Turtleneck & Chain," which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Comedy Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "I'm On A Boat." They recently released their third album, "The Wack Album," in June 2013, featuring Hugh Jackman, Kristen Wiig, Robyn, Adam Levine, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Too $hort, Pharrell Williams, T-Pain, Billie Joe Armstrong and Solange. "The Wack Album's" lead single, "YOLO" (feat. Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar), made YouTube's "Top 10 Trending Videos" for 2013. They were also recognized by Billboard's year-end issue as the No. 1 Comedy Albums Artists, No. 1 Comedy Albums Title ("The Wack Album"), No. 1 Comedy Digital Tracks Artist and No. 1 Comedy Digital Tracks Title for "Yolo."

Samberg currently stars in the FOX comedy BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical. The Tuesday night series will air a special episode on Sunday, Feb. 2 (approx. 11:00-11:30 PM ET/8:00-8:30 PM PT), after FOX Sports' coverage of SUPER BOWL XLVIII.

Taccone co-wrote and directed the 2010 feature film "MacGruber," starring Will Forte and Kristen Wiig. He most recently starred as "Booth Jonathan" in a multi-episode character arc on HBO's critically acclaimed "Girls."

Schaffer made his feature length directorial debut with "Hot Rod" for Paramount Pictures in 2007, and recently directed the 2012 feature-length film "The Watch," starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill.

About Fox Broadcasting Company

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including AMERICAN IDOL, THE FOLLOWING, NEW GIRL, GLEE and THE SIMPSONS. The network ranked No. 1 in the key adult demographic for eight of the past 10 seasons and continues to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news. "Like" FOX on Facebook at facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit fox.com.





  [january 2014]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
   


· SHOWATCH
(series past and present)
· DEVWATCH
(series in development)
· MOVIEWATCH
(tv movies and mini-series)





[11/01/24 - 02:01 PM]
HBO Orders Original Limited Drama "DTF ST. Louis" to Series
The limited series stars and is executive produced by Jason Bateman and David Harbour.

[11/01/24 - 02:00 PM]
Disney Branded Television Greenlights "How We Became the Biggest Band in the World" and "Vampirina" (Working Titles) for Disney Channel and Disney+
The Latter series is based on the books written by Anne Marie Pace and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, and inspired by the Disney Jr. animated series "Vampirina" from Chris Nee.

[11/01/24 - 12:48 PM]
Peacock Renews Long-Running Soap "Days of Our Lives" for 61st Season
The renewal comes on the eve of "Day of Days," the annual fan event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles being held on Saturday, November 2, where the show's 60th season will be celebrated.

[11/01/24 - 12:01 PM]
Video: "Rhythm + Flow" Season 2 - Cast Announcement - Netflix
The search for the next face of hip-hop moves to Atlanta as global hitmakers Ludacris, Latto and DJ Khaled join the judging panel to mentor fresh talent.

[11/01/24 - 12:00 PM]
60 Years After Debuting on the Network, Christmas Classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Returns to NBC for a Special 75-Minute Telecast on Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Said date was the same it premiered in 1964 as part of the "General Electric Fantasy Hour."

[11/01/24 - 11:54 AM]
"High Potential" Continues Linear Dominance as ABC Wins Tuesday 10 p.m. Hour in Total Viewers for First Time in 4 Years
Season to date through week five, "High Potential" stands as ABC's most-watched (10.42 million) new series in six years - since the 2018-2019 season with "The Conners."

[11/01/24 - 10:31 AM]
Video: AMC/AMC+ Debut Riveting First-Look at Season 3 of the Hit Noir Thriller "Dark Winds"
The series will return with all new episodes exclusively on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, March 9 at 9pm ET/PT.

[11/01/24 - 10:05 AM]
TBS "All I Watch for Christmas" and TNT "Christmas Maximus" Kick Off Holiday Programming on Saturday, November 2
With countless blockbuster films airing over 8-weeks, TNT "Christmas Maximus" takes holiday movies to the next level, serving as a hub for endless seasonal offerings and high-energy classics.

[11/01/24 - 10:03 AM]
'Tis the Season for Holiday Cheer on ABC
Highlights include a new season of "The Great Christmas Light Fight," along with news of a season 13 pickup for 2025.

[11/01/24 - 10:00 AM]
FOX and Gordon Ramsay Count Down to the Super Bowl with "Kitchen Nightmares: Road to Super Bowl LIX"
Gordon Ramsay's iconic series returns with a supercharged two-hour episode, Wednesday, January 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), with regular episodes airing on Wednesdays from 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT, beginning January 8 on FOX.

[11/01/24 - 09:30 AM]
Prime Video Reveals "Pimpinero: Blood and Oil" will Premiere Exclusively on November 22
The film is set in the desert bordering Colombia and Venezuela, where gasoline smugglers known as "pimpineros" risk their lives transporting illegal fuel from one country to another.

[11/01/24 - 09:06 AM]
Freeform's "25 Days of Christmas" Returns with Yuletide Cheer This December
A delightful collection of Christmas favorites is being offered to make spirits bright, including "Home Alone," "The Santa Clause" trilogy and "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000).

[11/01/24 - 09:00 AM]
Watch CBS News and Stations' "America Decides: Election '24" Team Coverage Across Broadcast, Streaming and Digital
Primetime election night coverage on CBS and CBS News 24/7 will begin at 7:00 PM, ET, anchored by Norah O'Donnell from CBS News' election headquarters in New York City.

[11/01/24 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Miss Scarlet" Season 5 Preview
Criminals have never stumped Eliza Scarlet, but a new Detective Inspector...? She's on the case!

[11/01/24 - 07:31 AM]
Video: "Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was..." - Date Announcement - Netflix
Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actor. Grammy-winning singer. Beloved comedian. Jamie Foxx returns to the stage to set the record straight.