IFC Greenlights ‘Sherman’s Showcase’ Sketch Comedy Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

IFC has greenlit a new music-themed comedy sketch series executive produced by music icon John Legend set to air in 2019, the network announced Thursday.

The series, Sherman’s Showcase, stars Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle and focuses on music and comedy drawn from the forty-year library of a legendary (but fictional) musical variety show, according to network officials.

John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius will serve as executive producers through their Get Lifted Film Co. along with show creators and writers Salahuddin and Riddle (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon).

“When Bashir and Diallo brought us such a fully formed concept, universe and tone from the first pitch, we knew this was going to be a special show for IFC,” said IFC president Jennifer Caserta in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited that they brought Radical and Get Lifted into the mix from the start because music is integral to this show’s dynamite DNA.”

R. Thomas Umstead
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.