FX orders sitcom starring and created by Jim Jefferies

Can Jim Jefferies go Legit?

We’ll get to see him try over at least 13 episodes in 2013, as FX has ordered a sitcom (or “scripted comedy series,” as cable channels tend to describe them in their press releases) co-created by the Australian stand-up comedian. The series is scheduled to debut in January 2013.

Legit stars Jefferies as a comedian trying to straighten out his life. Dan Bakkedahl (a former correspondent for The Daily Show) plays his best friend, while D.J. Qualls plays the best friend’s brother. Co-creator and executive producer Peter O’Fallon (who previously worked with FX on The Riches) directed the pilot. Rick Cleveland and New Wave’s Lisa Blum also serve as e.p.’s.

“We really love the pilot that Peter and Jim shot,” said Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming for FX. “This is going to be a breakout vehicle for Jim. He has such a unique voice which is the common trait of any great comedian. It just happens to be spoken with an Australian accent.”

“I couldn’t be happier than getting to do this show,” said Jefferies. “FX has set the bar so high with shows like Louie and Sunny, but I believe Peter and I have created something special. The cast is amazing and FX has given us all the freedom we need. I can’t wait for people to see it.”

O’Fallon added, “I have worked on many shows in many roles, but I have never had more fun on a set or anywhere for that matter than I did working on this show. Jim is one the funniest, smartest men I have ever met. FX, as always, was incredibly helpful and made it the best experience I could have imagined.”

It’s a fitting match for FX, which already boasts an award-winning series created/starring Louis CK (Louie) as a comedian dealing with life’s issues. FX also has two talk-shows fronted by stand-ups coming later this year — Brand X with Russell Brand, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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