TCA16: TBS Greenlights 'People of Earth' Series

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Pasadena, Calif.--TBS has greenlight a new comedy series from Conan O’Brien dubbed People Of Earth, the network said Thursday during its Television Critics Association press tour presentation.

The series, executively produced by Conan O’Brien, Greg Daniels and Jeff Ross, focuses on a skeptical journalist who investigates a support group to write about the member’s supposed alien encounters, but soon finds out there maybe some truth to their claims.

The 10-episosde series will be produced by Conan's Conaco LLC in association with Warner Horizon Television. The premiere date will be announced later, said the network.

"Having Greg Daniels executive-produce and direct a project for us at such an early stage in the network's evolution is huge. His keen ability to assemble a brilliant ensemble cast has obviously worked well in the past," said Brett Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TBS. "Since the launch of Conan, which has been a brand beacon for TBS for more than five years, we've been searching for just the right sophisticated and funny scripted comedy series to develop with our partners at Conaco. I believe we found that in this wonderfully original script by David Jenkins."

In other TBS/Conan news, the comedian's special taping of his late night talk show from Qatar featuring First Lady Michelle Obama will air Jan. 25.

The special follows Conan and Obama during their recent trip to visit US Troops stationed at the All Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, said network officials.

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.