TCA16: Pop Steps Up Scripted Series Lineup

Read more TCA ’16 summer tour coverage

Pop network will look to build its scripted portfolio beyond Schitt's Creek with the development of three new series, the network said Sunday during its Television Critics Association summer press tour session.

The network, owned by Lionsgate and CBS, slated a November launch for Nightcap, a comedy parody of a late night talk show starring Ali Wentworth as a lead talent booker who wrangles a-list celebrities each week. Celebrities guest starring in the series include Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa, Debra Messing, Whoopi Goldberg, George Stephanopoulos, Denis Leary, Michael J. Fox, Mario Batali, Wendy Williams, Nate Berkus, Andy Cohen, Mark Cuban, Mark Consuelos, Jim Gaffigan, Janeane Garofalo, Rosie Perez and Joel Schumacher .

In addition, the network will debut The Joey Mac Project, starring New Kids on The Block member Joey McIntyre looking to transition from boy band heartthrob to actor. The eight-episode series is executive produced by McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, Tim Gibbons (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Paul Greenberg (Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris) and Jenny Daly (Storage Hunters).

The two shows join previously announced scripted horror series Wolf Creek, which will premiere on the network Oct. 20.

Pop president Brad Schwartz said its scripted lineup will have broad appeal to viewers looking for pop culture-themed programming. “We have to champion all kinds of fandom,” he said during the tour session in Los Angeles.

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.