Upfronts 2017: TruTV To Launch Five New Series

TruTV will look boost its original programming lineup with the greenlighting of five news series, the network announced Friday.

Among the new shows set to debut in 2017-18 are At Home with Amy Sedaris, a variety/talk show series that will showcase the comedian’s humor and talents as a crafter, chef, baker, and hostess; Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters, a scripted anthology series featuring episodes told in such genres as 1970s-era science fiction, psychological thriller, romantic comedy, and reality; and I’m Sorry, starring comedian/actress Andrea Savage as a wife and mom who comically exposes her inner immaturity and neuroses through unexpected life situations.

Also on the docket are Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, a new half-hour standup comedy series featuring the next generation of comedians; and The Chris Gethard Show, a live talk show series that debuts Aug. 2.

Returning series include Adam Ruins Everything (July 11), Comedy Knockout (May 18), Hack My Life (Fall), Impractical Jokers (2018), Jon Glaser Loves Gear (2018), The Carbonaro Effect (2018), Those Who Can’t (Fall 2017) and You Can Do Better (July 11)

Other truTV projects in development (with network descriptors) include:  

Untitled Liza Treyger Project (wt) – Scripted Pilot

Recently seen in Louis CK's Horace & Pete as well as her own half-hour stand up special, Liza Treyger executive produces and stars in this single camera, scripted pilot set in Chicago. Utilizing Treyger's strong point of view, this character-driven project revolves around Liza and her dysfunctional friends who together form their own (somewhat) functional 'framily'. Written by Treyger and Prescott Tolk, the project is produced by Avalon Television with Treyger, Sam Saifer, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner, David Martin, and Tolk serving as executive producers. Chloe Pisello is a co-executive producer.

Untitled Austin Martinez Comedy (wt) – Scripted Pilot

Molly Austin and Shamikah Martinez – also known as Austin Martinez – star in this scripted comedy pilot in which episodes spark from relatable conflicts and milestones of being an official adult – things like being the one in charge of an actual emergency, babysitting your friend's kid, and getting your first grown ass woman couch. These relatable, everyday situations are taken to an absurd magical world that includes everything from music videos and sketches to talking cats and noir mysteries. The project is produced by MAD Pictures with Adam Donald, Martinez, and Austin serving as executive producers.

End Times Girls Club(wt) – Pilot

End Times Girls Club is your ultimate guide to apocalypse survival. Driven by her personal paranoia, Rose – played by creator and writer Rose Schlossberg – is here to educate girls on how to prepare for the end of the world and stay cute in the process! The hybrid comedy series is produced by Broadway Video with Schlossberg, Stoney Sharp, and Andrew Singer serving as executive producers.

False Advertising(wt) – Presentation Tape

Known for their terrifyingly believable commercials,The Kloonsbring competition (and their marketing genius) to a whole new level in this half-hour show. The comedy group pits two hilarious ideas against each other, creating real commercials (of totally fake products) to convince an unsuspecting focus group. Will they believe that Cheez-Its Christ is really being sold on the shelves of supermarkets, or that a Prada body bag is the hot new fashion item of the year? Absurdity ensues as The Kloons attempt see which product the focus group finds more believable, and which goes too far. The project is produced by Studio 71 with Rabih Gholam, Tally Barr, Mitch Lewis, Greg Washburn, and Nik Kazoura serving as executive producers.

Paid Off with Michael Torpey (wt) – Presentation Tape

Student loan debt is out of control and Michael Torpey has the foolish idea he can do something about it.  Paid Off with Michael Torpeyis a comedic quiz show that will challenge contestants to prove they really earned their college degrees and have their student loan debt completely paid off. The series is co-created by Torpey (Orange is the New Black) and Cowboy Bear Ninja, who will also produce. Torpey, Michael Melamedoff and Adrian Selkowitz serve as executive producers.

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.