HBO Max has today given a series order to an untitled original dark comedy series created by Broad City alums Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky. Moreover, Emmy winner Jean Smart (Fargo, Watchmen) has been cast as one of the two leads today.
The series explores a dark mentorship that forms between a Las Vegas diva (Smart) and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Downs, Aniello and Statsky will executive produce with Michael Schur, David Miner and Morgan Sackett. Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment, Fremulon, Paulilu Productions and First Thought Productions will produce.
"When this dream team came to us, we jumped at the chance to develop this project, which features two complex female characters working in comedy and facing the professional and personal challenges that come along with it," said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. "When Jean Smart came aboard, we were even more delighted to move forward. We're excited to be working with this winning combination of talent and confident the show will fit perfectly into our robust slate of HBO Max Originals."
"I am so thrilled to be making this show with our incredible partners at HBO Max and Universal TV, and it is a dream to write for the incomparable Jean Smart," added Downs. "It is an honor and a privilege to craft and portray complex, female characters. For far too long, male voices dominated the space, both on-and-off screen, and thankfully that has finally changed. I'm sure Lucia and Jen agree, but unfortunately, they only gave us this much room for a quote. Sorry girls!"
