CTV announced today the pilot orders for two new original half-hour comedies, backed by some of Canada’s most successful TV comedy writers and producers. From Halifax’s DHX Media comes ensemble comedy SATISFACTION, written by Tim McAuliffe (UP ALL NIGHT) and produced by Michael Donovan (Bowling for Columbine, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES). Toronto’s Project 10 Productions are winding up for SPUN OUT, CTV’s first ever multi-camera workplace comedy,created by Jeff Biederman (LIFE WITH DEREK), Brent Piaskoski (ACCORDING TO JIM) and Brian K. Roberts (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND) and produced by Andrew Barnsley (HOTBOX). The two comedy pilots set to shoot this fall in Toronto are the latest original productions announced by CTV, and join the order of two new unscripted series by The Comedy Network today. The four series complement the previously announced order of scripted dramas MOTIVE (working title) for CTV and ORPHAN BLACK for SPACE.
“We’re looking forward to the next wave of scripted comedy at CTV,” said Corrie Coe, Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. “For us, these two projects are a perfect combination of excellent writing paired with top notch award-winning production teams coming together to make great television.”
In the ensemble comedy SATISFACTION, long-time twenty-something couple Peter and Claire invite Peter’s best friend Mark to live with them to help pay the rent. Newly single after a recent breakup, Mark hopes to learn from his friends the secrets to a great relationship. Each member of the household tries their best to make the arrangement work – but like with anything in life – it is easy to romanticize how the “other half” lives. With a supporting cast of characters full of issues all their own, SATISFACTION is a relationship showdown between freedom and commitment, with Peter, Claire and Mark all wanting what everyone else has – but with no idea how to get it.
SATISFACTION is produced by DHX Media in association with CTV. Executive producer is Michael Donovan (Bowling for Columbine, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES) and Tim McAuliffe (UP ALL NIGHT, LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON) is writer/showrunner.
In the multi-cam workplace comedy SPUN OUT, disgraced writer Beckett Ryan joins King PR, a public relations agency staffed with people who can spin everyone’s problems but their own. After accusing a famous author of stealing his book with disastrous results, Beckett turns to King PR for help, and quickly realizes that the agency needs someone with his charm and wit just as much as he needs them to help him earn a little forgiveness. No matter how bizarre the cases are that the agency takes on, they pale in comparison to the workplace romances, rivalries, personal successes, and often hilarious failures of the close-knit and dysfunctional colleagues at King PR.
SPUN OUT is produced by Project 10 Productions in association with CTV. Gemini Award winners Jeff Biederman (LIFE WITH DEREK, OVERRULED) and Brent Piaskoski (ACCORDING TO JIM, RADIO FREE ROSCOE) are co-creators, writers and executive producers. Co-creator, director and executive producer is Brian K. Roberts (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE DREW CAREY SHOW). Andrew Barnsley (HOT BOX) is executive producer.
Sarah Fowlie is Director, Independent Production, Comedy, Bell Media. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.
