Ahead of its upfront presentation today, TBS has handed out series order to three new scripted series - anthology comedy Miracle Workers starring Daniel Radcliffe and Owen Wilson, animated comedy Close Enough, and sketch comedy The Dress Up Gang.
Based on the book What in God's Name, Miracle Workers is a Heaven-set workplace comedy. Radcliffe will play Craig, a low level angel responsible for handling all of humanity's prayers. Wilson will play Craig's boss, God, who has pretty much checked out to focus on his favorite hobbies. To prevent Earth's destruction, Craig must achieve his most impossible miracle to date.
Simon Rich (Man Seeking Woman) created the comedy. He will executive produce with Radcliffe, Wilson, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer. Studio T and Broadway Video will produce. The first season will include seven episodes, which will premiere in 2018.
"Having Daniel Radcliffe and Owen Wilson join the TBS family is proof of the continued evolution of this comedy brand as the home of the most creative minds in the business," said Brett Weiss, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, TBS. "Owen Wilson has long been a comic genius, and Daniel's performance in last year's Swiss Army Man really proved that there's a sophisticated comedian under the surface of those brilliant dramatic chops. Simon and Lorne are total pros in walking the tightrope between reality and ridiculousness and they do it with a lot of heart and wit."
Close Enough is a surreal take on transitioning from 20-something to 30-something. The show centers on a married couple juggling such every day challenges as parenthood, friendship, ham theft, stripper clowns and choosing the right day care.
J.G. Quintel (Regular Show) created the series. Cartoon Network Studios and Studio T will produce - marking their first collaboration together. The order is for 13 episodes.
"We couldn't be more excited to add one of animation's most impressive and popular voices, J.G. Quintel, to our growing slate of animated series," added Weitz.
And finally, The Dress Up Gang is based on the digital hit of the same name. Set in a surreal version of Los Angeles, Donny and Cory are roommates who look out for each other. Donny, a responsible adult with the temperament and outlook of a child, relies on guidance and life advice from Cory, the dad-like 30-something who has been crashing on his couch for quite some time.
Donny Divanian, Cory Loykasek and Robb Boardman created the series, with Divanian and Loykasek set to star. They executive produce with Dave Kneebone, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim. Studio T and Absolutelyin produce.
"The Dress Up Gang are experts at mining comedy gold from otherwise serious situations," said Weitz. "This new series is another example of how TBS is stretching beyond the confines of television to bring fresh talent and unique comedic voices to our lineup."
