Showtime Picks Up Wootton Comedy, More Ullman
Untitled Comedy from British Comedian Marc Wootton, Second Season of Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union to Join Pay Network’s Schedule in 2009
By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/2/2008 11:39:00 AM
Showtime picked up an untitled comedy from British comedian Marc Wootton and ordered a second season of Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union, the network announced Friday.
The comedy by Wootton will be based upon the popular characters he plays in sketches on his U.K. programs. Showtime gave the program a six-episode order, and the network will premiere the show in 2009.
Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union has been very successful for the network and a solid return to U.S. television screens for Ullman. Showtime gave the program a seven-episode order, which will begin production in the fall for an early 2009 debut.
Showtime has been engaged in something of a British invasion of late, building on the success of The Tudors. The network picked up the Tracey Ullman sketch comedy and also acquired the rights to air successful U.K. series Secret Diary of a Call Girl. The addition of Wootton to the mix expands the anglophile presence.
“I won't hold it against them that both are from the United Kingdom," Showtime entertainment president Robert Greenblatt said announcing the pickups. "But Tracey Ullman is the veteran genius who continues to impress us with her versatility, while Marc Wootton is the up-and-comer who will surprise our audience with his own unique voice. This is an embarrassment of riches for us in the comedy department."
