IFC goes big on “American” in 2015, ordering new series from Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen and Bill Hader; another starring Rob Huebel

IFC is hosting its annual Upfront event and party tonight in New York City, but announced at high noon today two new series, a new award program, two series renewals and even more in development for 2014-2015.

“IFC began the year with significant momentum that continues to accelerate,” said Jennifer Caserta, IFC’s president, in making the announcements. “We’re delivering more original programming that is resonating with viewers, and key advertisers are seeking us out to reach consumers through the power and authenticity of our alt comedy voice. Through our current slate, IFC is continuing to partner with some of the biggest and most sought after comedians in the business and we’re so thrilled that our viewers will be able to enjoy what they do best.”

The two new series are very “American” — in the working title sense of the word — including an expansion of IFC’s relationships with Fred Armisen and Lorne Michaels/Broadway Video, and a starring vehicle for Rob Huebel.

American Documentary (working title) will bow with six half-hour episodes in 2015, executive produced by Armisen, Seth Meyers and Bill Hader. It’s a curated series of documentaries about fictional subjects. Armisen and Hader will star along with a repertory cast of actors and actresses. Produced by Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video. Directed by SNL’s Rhys Thomas.

American Storage (working title) stars Rob Huebel as a bachelor living in a Los Angeles storage facility, and is based on the short film of the same name co-written and directed by Andrew Jay Cohen. John Karna co-stars. It’ll have an initial run of eight half-hour episodes, also debuting in 2015. Produced by Troy Miller and Dakota Pictures.

IFC also announced the launch of the CollegeHumor Comedy Music Awards in concert with CollegeHumor.com, which will parody traditional awards shows while honoring top musical comedy acts. Look for a new comedy music website and original music videos to sprout up alongside this, also in 2015.

Fans of Comedy Bang! Bang! and The Birthday Boys can look forward to new seasons of both the fake talk show (doubling again to 40 new half-hours of CBB with Scott Aukerman and Reggie Watts and celebrity friends in 2015!) and the sketch comedy series (10 new episodes premiering later in 2014).

IFC currently airs its fourth season of Portlandia (with season five already guaranteed for 2015), will welcome back Maron and Comedy Bang! Bang! in May, and the new Garfunkel and Oates musical comedy series this summer.

Looking to join them, two new series in the development stages at IFC:

  • Westside — Created and written by Jordan Okun, executive produced by Joel McHale, Jason Burns and Free Period, this half-hour scripted comedy follows a group of suburban schnooks who are forced into a life of crime.
  • The Bank — A half-hour scripted comedy, executive produced by Teri Weinberg and Brigitte Bako, about a dysfunctional family who runs a sperm bank. Bako is also writing the project.

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.

View all posts by Sean L. McCarthy →