POP Sets Scripted Series ‘Schitt’s Creek’

Pop network will debut in 2015 its first scripted comedy series Schitt’s Creek, said network officials.

Pop, the rebranded TVGN network, will commission 13 episodes of the series, starring Eugene Levy (American Pie, Best In Show, SCTV), Catherine O’Hara (Home Alone, Best In Show) and Chris Elliott (How I Met Your Mother). The series centers on a formerly filthy rich video store magnate, his soap opera wife and their two kids who suddenly find themselves broke and forced to live in a small, depressing town, said network officials.

Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy, Andrew Barnsley, Fred Levy and Ben Feigin will serve as executive producers of the CBC-commissioned series produced by Not A Real Company Productions Inc.

“This show answers the question — what would the Kardashians do if they woke up one day, completely broke?,” said Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment and Media, POP in a statement. “Not only is this project a clever cultural commentary where the 1 percent is suddenly the 99, but it fits right in the heart of everything we’re building at our new network. It’s a dream cast, it’s hysterically funny, and it’s sure to pop.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.