FX has ordered Baskets, a half-hour, single camera comedy series starring Zach Galifianakis and co-created by Galifianakis, Louis C.K. and Jonathan Krisel, it was announced today by Eric Schrier and Nick Grad, Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions. FX has ordered 10 episodes and production will begin next year with the series scheduled to launch in 2016.
In a world constrained by corporate interests and the homogenization of society, one man in Bakersfield, California dares to follow his dream of becoming a professional clown. But after an unsuccessful enrollment at a prestigious clowning school in Paris, the only job he can find is with the local rodeo. Baskets follows Chip Baskets' (Galifianakis) pursuit of his dream, against all odds, to be a respected clown.
The pilot was co-written by Emmy winner Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis and Jonathan Krisel. Krisel also directed the pilot, and will serve as showrunner on the series. All three will executive produce alongside Blair Breard, Dave Becky, Marc Gurvitz and Andrea-Pett-Joseph.
"Zach Galifianakis, Louis C.K. and Jonathan Krisel have created an absolutely brilliant show," said Schrier. "To say Zach's portrayal of the lead character Chip Baskets is hilarious/unique/riveting/fascinating would be an understatement. We can't wait for the world to meet him.
Baskets is the first production under FX Productions overall deal with Louis C.K. and his production company Pig Newtom.
Baskets is the fifth comedy series ordered by FX Networks this year along with The Tracy Morgan Project (FXX), The Comedians (FX), Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX) and Man Seeking Woman (FXX), boosting the FX Networks comedy roster to 11 series across FX and FXX.
