Bobcat Goldthwait Gabriel Olsen
The Turner-owned cabler also renewed three of its shows — 'Comedy Knockout,' 'Fameless' and 'Greatest Ever.'
TruTV is adding to its scripted roster.
The Turner-owned network has greenlit its second-ever scripted series Bobcat Goldthwait's Messed Up Stories. The eight-episode scripted anthology will premiere in 2017. In addition, truTV renewed three of its unscripted series — Comedy Knockout, Fameless and Greatest Ever.
Bobcat Goldthwait's Messed Up Stories will bring viewers twisted morality tales from the darkly witty mind of creator Bobcat Goldthwait. Each episode will tell a different story in a different genre — among them: 1970s-era science fiction, psychological thriller, romantic comedy and reality — and will parody pop culture norms and exploit the awkwardness of its flawed characters. Produced by Left/Right, the series is executive produced by Goldthwait, Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman and Olivia Wingate.
"From the moment Bobcat pitched this series, we were immediately drawn to his distinctly original vision for the show. There's nothing like it on TV and I think audiences will feel the same way," said Marissa Ronca, executive vice president and head of programming for truTV. "We're excited to be working with another visionary creator, and comedy legend, on a project with a distinct point of view that will further bolster truTV's position as a destination for comedic talent and fans."
For his part, Goldthwait added: "Folks often call my movies dark, but I don't see them that way. To me, the rest of the world is just too goddamn light. Messed Up Stories will examine accepted truths and hypocrisies of our culture and turn them inside out. Does love conquer all? Does fame and money buy you happiness? Not always."
In announcing its renewals, truTV revealed it has specifically ordered a 16-episode second season of the comedy competition series Comedy Knockout, 12 additional episodes of Fameless and 10 episodes of Greatest Ever.
Hosted by Damien Lemon, Comedy Knockout pits comedians against each other in a series of fast-paced challenges, with the audience having sole discretion to decide who is the funniest person in the room. Comedy Knockout will return this winter with 16 new half-hour episodes after its 26-episode first season. Produced by Embassy Row with 3 Arts Entertainment, executive producers include Michael Davies, Amanda McPhillips, Julia Cassidy, Mo Mandel, Tim Fornara, Josh Lieberman and Greg Walter, with the series concept from Mo Mandel.
Fameless, a half-prank, half-sketch show from David Spade, will return with 12 additional episodes this winter, bringing the season two total to 24 episodes. The series is produced by Electus and Entertainment One with Spade, Ben Silverman, Kevin Healey of Propagate and Tara Long of eOne serving as executives producers.
Freshman series Greatest Ever, hosted by comedian Amanda Seales, is a fast-paced, informative and fun pop- culture comedy countdown show that takes viewers through the "do's" and "don'ts" of topics like weddings, animal videos, sports, politicians and awesomely, unintentionally funny inventions, infomercials and products. Bringing the total number of season one episodes to 16, the series will return early 2017 with an additional 10 half-hours. It is produced by Meetinghouse Productions with Jason Cilo serving as executive producer.
This fall, the network will also debut of new episodes and seasons of shows Adam Ruins Everything, Billy on the Street, Impractical Jokers and the network's first-ever scripted series Those Who Can't, in addition to the new series Jon Glaser Loves Gear.
TruTV
