Upfronts 2016: TruTv Greenlights Three New Series

TruTv will continue to build its lineup of comedy-themed programming with the greenlighting of three new unscripted series and the renewal of several hit shows.

The network has greenlit new series Jon Glaser Loves Gear, a hybrid comedy series starring actor John Glaser (Trainwreck, Parks and Recreation, Girls) as he endeavors to make a docu-series; Greatest Ever, a fast-paced, informative and fun pop-culture comedy countdown show hosted by comedian Amanda Seales; and Lifescaping (working title), a guide to all those real-life skills you’re expected to know but no one ever taught you.

The network has ordered pilots for two new scripted series, including Small Victories (working title), a comedy series about confronting everyday injustices written by and starring Melissa Hunter, and I’m Sorry (working title), a comedic look at confronting one’s inner immaturity and neuroses written by and starring Andrea Savage.

If successful, the shows will join freshman scripted series Those Who Can’t, which will return for a sophomore season later this year.

On the renewals side, truTV has ordered new seasons of Fameless and Hack My Life. Additional episodes have also been ordered for two first-season series, Comedy Knockout and Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack, said TruTV.

The network has also ordered two new specials, The Problem with Apu (working title), a feature-length documentary from comedian Hari Kondabolu, and an-all new Impractical Jokers live special that will follow on the heels of last year’s live punishment event.

“Having successfully re-launched truTV in 2014, we have now turned a corner when it comes to premium content,” said network president Chris Linn in a statement.

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.