ITV Unveils Broad Comedy Slate for Upcoming Streamer ITVX
22.08.2022 - 14:07
/ variety.com
Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentITV has unveiled a slate of new comedy commissions, most of which will premiere on ITVX, its upcoming free streaming service. New comedy titles include “Plebs: Soldiers of Rome,” “Deep Fake Neighbour Wars,” “Ruby Speaking Count,” “Abdulla” and “Significant Other.” “The arrival of ITVX gives us more opportunities to commission a broad range of comedies and a dedicated place for the genre to call home,” said Nana Hughes, ITV’s Head of Comedy.
The executive added that ITV aspired to showcase a “huge cross section of contemporary, diverse and inclusive comedy.” “We want to take risks but most importantly we want our audiences to find shows that reflect them and make them laugh,” Hughes continued. “Plebs: Soldiers of Rome” is a a feature-length special based on the award-winning comedy series “Plebs” which has had five successful seasons.
“Plebs” is directed and written by Sam Leifer and co-written by Tom Basden.Shot in Bulgaria and Wales, the special will follow Marcus, Grumio, Jason and Aurelius as they join the army in peace-time to break away from their humdrum lives in Rome. But when war is declared, they’re sent on the front line and must fight for survival.
Returning cast members include Tom Rosenthal, Ryan Sampson, Jon Pointing and Tom Basden, along with Karl Theobald. The cast of the finale is completed by Patrick Baladi (“The Office,” “Breeders”), Tori Allen-Martin (“London Kill”) and Kåre Conradi (“Norsemen”).
“Deep Fake Neighbour Wars” is a six part one-hour series which will use the latest AI technology to turn the U.K.’s best new impressionists into celebrities and have them argue with one another. These include Nicki Minaj, Tom Holland, Mark Zuckerberg, Billie Eilish,
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