Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
Billy’s back on TV – and for more than just a hosting appearance.
FX on Wednesday ordered 13 episodes of Crystal’s new half-hour comedy, fittingly called The Comedians.
Frozen’s Josh Gad, who is a USA TODAY columnist, will also star in the series, which will premiere in 2015.
The Comedians will mark the first series-starring role for Crystal, known for numerous films and frequent turns as Oscars host, since Soap ended in 1981.
In The Comedians, Crystal will portray a comic superstar reluctantly paired with an edgier, younger comedian, played by Gad, in a behind-the-scenes look at the battle of egos and generations at a late-night sketch comedy show.
Stephanie Weir, Matt Oberg and Megan Ferguson also star.
Crystal, Larry Charles (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld), Matt Nix (Burn Notice) and Ben Wexler (Community, Arrested Development) will serve as writers and executive producers. Gad is a producer.
“We’re incredibly excited about The Comedians and the fact that Billy Crystal will be making his return to series television on FX,” said Nick Grad, original programming chief for FX Networks and FX Productions.
“The chemistry between Billy and Josh is amazing, and Larry, Matt, Ben and Billy did a fantastic job of making what is certain to become one of the best comedies on TV.”
Production will begin later this year on the series, which is based on a Swedish format with the same title.
