'Documentary Now' Tyler Golden/IFC
The parody series, which will now get a season two and three, will debut August 20.
IFC is doubling down on Documentary Now!
The AMC-owned cable network announced Tuesday that it was renewing its original comedy series from Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and Seth Meyers for two additional seasons -- all before season one has debuted. Additionally, IFC announced it would also tack on a surprise seventh episode to the parody series' first season, which is set to bow August 20.
“This two-season renewal ahead of the show’s initial debut is a huge nod to the creative and comedic genius of Fred, Bill and Seth,” said IFC president Jennifer Caserta, adding: “We’re immensely proud of what they’ve created alongside [producer] Rhys [Thomas], and thrilled with the buzz and critical acclaim the show is already receiving.”
Documentary Now!, which has been two years in the marking at IFC, parodies some of the world’s best-known documentaries. Starring Armisen and Hader, each episode is shot in a different style of documentary filmmaking and honors some of the most important stories that didn’t actually happen. Paying homage to everyone from the Maysles to Errol Morris the episodes range in topic from an intimate portrait of socialite mother-daughter feral animal hoarders to a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s first documentary.
Helen Mirren, who had declared herself a Portlandia fan, serves as host of the Lorne Michaels-produced series, which is created, written and executive produced by the former Saturday Night Live trio. The show also features appearances by Jack Black, John Slattery, Irving Azoff and SNL’s Aidy Bryant, Mike O’Brien, Paula Pell and Tim Robinson.
