Man's best friend has never been so crude. Adult Swim announced today that the network has ordered a series starring comedian Jack McBrayer and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Robert Smigel's verbally abusive puppet alter ego).
An off-kilter buddy comedy, created by Smigel, Michael Koman and David Feldman, the untitled sitcom details the lives of two former child actors (McBrayer and Triumph) who starred in a Lassie-esque series from the '80s and '90s. After their show's cancellation prompted a depraved downward spiral, Jack is back on the straight and narrow when Triumph finds his way back into his life.
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Unlike most everything in the Adult Swim live action roster, it will air as a half-hour. McBrayer and Triumph previously teamed up for a skit on Conan in 2012, when the duo traded barbs with the notoriously foul-mouthed servers and customers at Chicago's Weiner's Circle. The project is the lone series order in the cable network's upfront slate -- which also includes pilots from John Krasinski, Jon Glaser and Devon Shepard.
"Since its launch, Adult Swim has effectively expanded from a late-night programming block to a network that resonates with all key adult demos," said Turner president of ad sales Donna Speciale, President of Turner Ad Sales. "Building upon Adult Swim's successful foundation, Mike Lazzo and his team have put together a programming slate that will be very attractive to our advertising partners looking to reach and engage with the brands' key adult demos in primetime. Additionally, Adult Swim's robust late-night schedule continues to resonate with the younger male and adult demo, providing opportunities for our advertising partners to connect with this hard to reach audience."
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Potentially filling more space in Adult Swim's expanding primetime footprint are two live-action pilots. Dream Corp. LLC, from ep Krasinksi and creator Daniel Stessen, is actually a rotoscope hybrid -- detailing the goings on in an experimental therapy facility that creates a virtual reality for patients to confront issues in their waking life by simulating their dreams. There's also an untitled World Star Hip Hop project from Shepard, which will cull from the successful website's considerable video content.
Both pilots are joined by Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, created by Glasser (Delocated), and that title pretty much speaks for itself.
On deck for the network are previously announced series Black Jesus, Mr. Pickles and Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories (all now set for summer), while Mike Tyson Mysteries and the Venture Bros. Special are being scheduled for later in the year. Among the 17 original series set to return are Childrens Hospital, The Heart, She Holler and Rick and Morty.
