Debra Messing to Lead Starz Comedy Series ‘East Wing’ From Ali Wentworth, Liz Tuccillo

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBeavis and Butt-Head are returning to TV.Comedy Central announced Wednesday that the world’s favorite slacker teens are getting a reimagining at the cable network courtesy of original series creator Mike Judge. Comedy Central has ordered two seasons of the show as part of a new animation deal with Judge and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterMahershala Ali is attached to play boxer Jack Johnson in a limited series currently in the works at HBO, Variety has learned.The six-part series is titled “Unruly.” It is described as an unapologetically Black, no-holds-barred telling of Johnson’s life.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterColin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay are teaming for a scripted series about the NFL quarterback’s high school years at Netflix, Variety has learned.The six-episode series is currently titled “Colin in Black & White.” It will provide a look at Kaepernick’s early life as a Black child growing up with a white adopted family and his journey to become a great quarterback while defining his identity.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNBC has picked up a comedy series that will be filmed entirely through video chats.Titled “Connecting,” the series is described as an ensemble comedy about a group of friends trying to stay close (and sane) through video chats as they share the highs and lows of these extraordinary times. It is unknown at this time when the series will air or if it will be part of NBC’s fall schedule.NBC has given the show an eight-episode straight-to-series order.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe hit video game “Disco Elysium” is getting the TV series treatment.Indie game developer ZA/UM has partnered with the production company dj2 Entertainment to develop a series based on the game.Based on the universe introduced in Robert Kurvitz’s 2013 novel “A Sacred, Terrible Air,” the game follows a veteran detective with a mysterious past who must solve a crime that threatens to set powerful political factions into civil war.“We’re so gratified at the response ‘Disco

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple is adding another international co-production to its streaming repertoire.The streamer has boarded the Israeli psychological thriller series “Losing Alice.” The show is produced by Israel’s Dori Media Productions in association with HOT. The eight-episode series is currently airing on HOT and will stream worldwide later this year on Apple TV Plus.The series hails from creator Sigal Avin, who served as director in addition to writing.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLike virtually all aspects of the entertainment industry, the volume of broadcast series orders took a massive hit this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.The pandemic shut down the traditional pilot season, with almost no pilots completing production.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAnother of “Normal People” author Sally Rooney’s books is set to get the series treatment at Hulu.The streamer has given a straight-to-series order to “Conversations with Friends,” which will be based on Rooney’s debut novel of the same name.The series will consist of 12 half-hour episodes.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation, Apple has given a straight-to-series order to a comedy series from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Variety has learned exclusively.Titled “The Afterparty,” the series is described as a murder mystery comedy set at a high school reunion afterparty.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterFox has renewed the animated comedy “The Great North” for a second season before the first has even aired.The show was ordered to straight-to-series last year and is currently slated to debut at midseason in 2021. It hails from Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin from “Bob’s Burgers” as well as Minty Lewis.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterComedian Ricky Velez has set up a comedy pilot at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively.Velez will serve as co-writer and executive producer on the half-hour project, with Judd Apatow also co-writing and executive producing. Judah Miller will serve as co-writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHBO Max has ordered a new adult animated series titled “10-Year-Old-Tom.”The series hails from writer and executive producer Steve Dildarian, with Nick Weidenfeld also attached as an executive producer.“Not only is Steve insanely funny, he is one of the rare talents that can write, draw and do voices.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDan Harmon has signed a broadcast network-only exclusive direct animation deal with Fox Entertainment.Under the deal, Harmon has received a series commitment for an adult animated series that is currently being targeted for a spring 2022 debut.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHulu is developing a comedy series about the notorious New Jersey theme park Action Park, Variety has learned.The half-hour series is based on the book “Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park” by Andy Mulvihill and Jake Rossen.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe CW announced Tuesday an additional four series acquisitions as part of its summer lineup.Making their U.S. debuts on The CW are: the horror whodunnit competition “Killer Camp,” debuting July 16 at 8 p.m.

Starz is developing “East Wing,” a half-hour comedy series starring “Will & Grace” alumna Debra Messing. It is created and written by Ali Wentworth (“Nightcap”), who will also appear in the series alongside Messing, and Liz Tuccillo (“Divorce”).

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVStarz is developing East Wing, a half-hour comedy series starring Will & Grace alumna Debra Messing. It is created and written by Ali Wentworth (Nightcap), who will also appear in the series alongside Messing, and Liz Tuccillo (Divorce).

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple has signed on to co-produce the upcoming espionage thriller series “Tehran.”The show tells the story of a Mossad agent who goes deep undercover on a dangerous mission in Tehran that places her and everyone around her in dire jeopardy.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCrime drama “Hightown” has been renewed for a second season at Starz, the premium cabler announced Thursday.The news comes after the series has aired just four episodes, with the first episode having aired on May 17. Per Starz, the series premiere set viewership records across Starz OTT platforms.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation with multiple outlets bidding, Dakota Johnson is attached to star in and executive produce a mockumentary series currently in the works at Amazon.Titled “Rodeo Queens,” the series follows an ensemble of Rodeo Queen hopefuls as they compete for the coveted crown. A writers’ room for the series will open soon, with a full series order expected.Christy Hall created the series and will serve as showrunner and executive producer.