BBC & Showtime co-produce Episodes

An interesting US/UK co-production has appeared on the horizon. I know the last trans-Atlantic comedy was Krod Mandoon & The Flaming Sword Of Fire, but this sounds better. It's a six-part comedy from the BBC, Hat Trick Productions and Showtime called Episodes, created by David Crane (Friends) and Jeffrey Klarik (Mad About You), starring Matt LeBlanc as himself. The show will revolve around a British couple trying to remake their sitcom in America, with disastrous results.

Jimmy Mulville, Hat Trick Productions:

"These are some of the best scripts I've read in a long time by two writers at the top of their game. To have the opportunity to make a show with David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, with Matt LeBlanc playing a hilarious version of himself, and then to make that show for both Showtime and the BBC, whose combined portfolios of comedy are second to none, is both a thrill and a great privilege. Episodes promises to be one of the great comedy treats for 2010."

Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two:

"I'm delighted that Matt LeBlanc will be starring in an original comedy for BBC Two, and to be working with Showtime and Hat Trick on such a unique format."

Matt LeBlanc:

"Jeffrey and David have a great idea – I love it. I am really excited to be working with Showtime and the BBC. And I am also so glad I got the part; seeing someone else playing Matt LeBlanc would have been devastating."

The sitcom will start shooting in London and Los Angeles next year, for a 2010 transmission on BBC2 and Showtime.