NBC Developing ‘Reality Bites’ Sitcom with Ben Stiller
NBC, in yet another surprising turn, has added an adaptation of the 90’s cult classic comedy Reality Bites to their development slate.
Interestingly, the adaptation will still take place in the early 90’s before the Internet, which we’re absolutely sure will be the source of so many jokes that will eventually be turned into .gifs if this show ever sees the light of TV screens.
NBC Buys Comedy Produced By Tina Fey & Robert Carlock
30 Rock’s Tina Fey & Robert Carlock being involved in another series at NBC was only a matter of time as it was the obvious move for NBC to keep them both on.
In fact, was anyone timing how long since all the way from when 30 Rock’s series finale ended to now? Whatever that comes out to, it was probably too long.
Harris Wittels Sells Comedy to NBC
NBC has bought up a number of comedy projects, one of which we’re very intrigued by from Parks and Recreation writer Harris Wittels.
We’re not exactly sure what direction NBC comedy is headed as it would seem on the one hand that shows like Community, Parks and Recreation are the last of their kind at the network, yet they’re developing a project from a Parks and Rec’s writer.
Still, this is good news nonetheless.
The Final Episode of ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ to Air February 6, 2014
So, as it stands right now, on Feb. 6th next year, Jay Leno will step down from The Tonight Show, then The Tonight Show will move to New York City with its new host Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers will take the reins to Late Night.
While that might seem momentous, don’t forget that The Arsenio Hall Show is coming back, Chris Hardwick is doing a late night talk show of sorts for Comedy Central, USA is developing a late night talk show with Will Ferrell, and Pete Holmes will be following Conan on TBS later this year.
Basically, late night’s going to get a whole lot more exciting really soon.
2nd Communicon Planned for This Year
The fan organized and produced Community, the NBC series, convention is being planned for a second round in LA (presumably at another community college?).
The dates are only tentative at this point, but the organizers are shooting for October, which will definitely make a case for an Los Angeles Comedy Festival Month because A Festival Supreme and the LA Podcast Festival will also take place that very month.
NBC Will Be Looking For Writers and Sketch Performers/Improvisers For New Sketch Show
Though letting John Mulaney’s pilot go to Fox might be a sign that NBC is shifting it’s branding in comedy, they are looking to make a comedy sketch series (we’re guessing their version of Key & Peele).
They don’t have writers or cast members yet and will be scouting for them very soon throughout the country.
NBC’s Craig Robinson Comedy Pilot Still Has a Chance
NBC doesn’t want to give up on Craig Robinson’s pilot just yet as the entire cast got their options extended at the network.
We’re intrigued to see what happens with that project as Steve Little, Steve Agee, and Kumail Nanjiani are part of this cast.
Community series creator Dan Harmon tweeted this morning in response to a fan demanding a straight answer on whether returning to Community, “Yes yes yes!" Specific details have yet to be released, and even what it would mean for Harmon’s other projects.
So, perhaps, NBC’s bending their plan to complete rebrand their comedy?
Stand Up NBC Initiative Having Auditions in San Diego in July
It’s not a new version of Last Comic Standing, but Stand Up NBC is something that up and coming comedians, especially if you’re of a “diverse” background, might want to check out (also, especially if you’re in the Southern California area).
After 9 seasons, the U.S. version of The Office is coming to a close. Tonight at 9PM on NBC, a one hour special series finale will air.
For some reason, this feels like the end of an era at NBC. We wonder what they’re next 200+ episodes sitcom will be (hopefully, Parks and Recreation).
Seth Meyers Replacing Jimmy Fallon on Late Night
All the rumors and speculation have turned out to be true. Seth Meyers was the frontrunner for replacing Jimmy Fallon on Late Night when Fallon takes on his new spot as the host of The Tonight Show.
No house band has been announced, but if NBC got The Roots last time maybe they can get someone like The Black Keys or something for Meyers?
Community Renewed For a 13 Episode 5th Season
Not only did Community survive for another round, but, apparently, there’s rumor of Dan Harmon being brought back. That might be a little difficult to balance though considering the Adult Swim series he’s working on just got picked up.
NBC Orders “Undateable” to Series
NBC ordering Bill Lawrence’s ‘Undateable’ means comedians Chris D’Elia, Brent Morin, Rick Glassman, Ron Funches will on be a network series together.
We’ll definitely be watching how this series develops.
Zach Galifiankis sat down with Jimmy Fallon last night and recounted his very short stint writing at SNL, consequently creeping out Britney Spears when she was hosting, and the upside to hitchhiking.
All in all, it’s the type of stories we’d like to hear more of on late night.
Last night, Marc Maron stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote his book “Attempting Normal” and his upcoming IFC show ‘Maron’. Apparently, getting Michael Keaton on WTF was initially easier, then much harder than one would think.
Also, Marc breaks down the comedians pitching TV show process pretty nicely.
Details on John Mulaney NBC Pilot and Seaton Smith Joins Cast
This is good news all around as John Mulaney’s pilot got another solid cast member in Seaton Smith and, apparently, Martin Short will be playing a game show host mentor to Mulaney.
We know we haven’t seen any clips or footage of any kind, but this better get picked up.
The very first Community themed convention, Communicon, happened this year and as it took place in what we guess is a multi-purpose room at LA Community College (how appropriate, right?) it was packed to the walls.
Luckily, if you weren’t there, you might get a better look at what went down with this CommuniCon 2013 trailer.
No Surprises Here, Again, as Source Reports Jimmy Fallon to Take Over Tonight Show
Also, Seth Meyers is close/“being eyed”/etc. to taking over Late Night at NBC. As we’ve said above and before, this isn’t all that surprising. We’ll be curious to see what 11:35PM Fallon is like.
We’re more curious to see the entire landscape of late night, which now includes several cable networks (for Conan, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, Nikki and Sara Live, upcoming Pete Holmes show to follow Conan, and more).
There has been plenty of gossip and rumors over the last few days regarding the transitioning of Jay Leno at The Tonight Show to move to NYC and handing the reins to Late Night host, Jimmy Fallon. Even though the deal hasn’t been officially made, there’s even more speculation with Seth Meyers possibly filling in for Fallon if he indeed goes to 11:30 or Fox wanting Leno.
Again, this is still all based on high ranking NBC sources and not a done deal.
Having The Tonight Show move back to NYC might be a little surprising, but the rest of this seems pretty straightforward and pretty much in line with NBC’s current tone of late night comedy. If the worry is about the younger demographic (i.e. competing with Jimmy Kimmel), why aren’t they trying something a little different, tonally, like IFC or FX?
Steve Agee, Kumail Nanjiani, and Steve Little Joining Craig Robinson’s NBC Pilot
Yet another great set of additions to another pilot. Would love to see Steve Agee, Kumail Nanjiani, and Steve Little as regulars on network TV.
Ron Funches Cast in NBC Pilot ‘Undateable’
Hopefully, America will get to know the wondrous low key hilarity, and it is wondrous, of Ron Funches if this gets picked up.
Elliott Gould and Martin Short Cast in John Mulaney’s NBC Pilot
There’s been a lot of great casting news this pilot season, especially in regards to comedy. However, this news definitely makes it in the mix for the best casting choices for a comedy pilot thus far.
Reruns of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Going to Cable
NBCU is letting one of its cable channels, The Esquire Network, to show reruns of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. This will definitely be interesting in how it might play out.
Also, G4 is now The Esquire Network, FYI.
Moshe Kasher, Parker Posey, Mira Sorvino, Brent Morin Latest To Be Cast in Pilots
Moshe is joining Rob Corddry at Spy, Parker Posey is starring along side the great JK Simmons, Mira Sorvino is in Jim Gaffigan’s pilot, and Brent Morin is starring in an untitled pilot.
This is all good news in case you were wondering. Hopefully, all these shows get picked up. Click the link for Hollywood Reporter’s comprehensive guide to this season’s pilots.
Prepare to get all nostalgic about the SNL you grew up with…