TV

What’s coming in comedy from Netflix in Fall 2015 and into 2016? A TCA update

The TCA summer press tour began on Tuesday in Pasadena — an annual parade of TV networks and stars, presenting themselves en masse to the TV Critics Association in hopes that their fall series will be welcomed and shared with rave reviews. Or, at the very least, enough buzz to break them out from the pack of thousands of other shows competing for your airtime and attention as a viewer in 2015. Who knows what it’ll mean for 2016.

Perhaps no better network or studio to kick things off in summer 2015 than Netflix, which has evolved from a DVD-by-mail service to the leading streaming TV network of today.

Netflix chief Ted Sarandos announced a third-season renewal of animated cult favorite BoJack Horseman, teased a fifth season of Arrested Development, and ushered in an all-star panel for Emmy-nominated Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, including star Ellie Kemper and creator Tina Fey, who start production on season two in August. And that’s not even counting the Wet Hot American Summer prequel miniseries, which launches on the streaming service this Friday! Wet Hot co-creator Michael Showalter was more than happy to tease more prequels and sequels and spin-offs, if you’ll have them.

Here’s a quick recap to fill you in on what else is coming in comedy for Netflix in the coming months.

Fuller House, with or without the Olsen twins, has begun production as a spin-off sequel sitcom.

A Very Murray Christmas, starring Bill Murray and friends, will arrive in time for this holiday season.

Bill Cosby’s stand-up special, scrapped late last year? Nope, never. Not happening. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to release now,” Sarandos said.

An Aziz Ansari series? Coming soon, with a title, based on his stand-up. Master of None debuts Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. Description: Based on Ansari’s stand-up, with his own parents appearing as themselves. “Follows the personal and professional lives of Dev (Ansari), a 30-year-old actor in New York who has trouble deciding what he wants to eat, much less the pathway for the rest of his life. Ambitious, funny, cinematic, and both sweeping in scope and intensely personal, Dev’s story takes him through subjects as diverse as the plight of the elderly, the immigrant experience, and how to find the most delicious pasta for dinner. Ansari stars in and created the series with Alan Yang; both serve as executive producers alongside Mike Schur (Parks and Recreation), Dave Becky (Louie) and David Miner (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). The series also stars H. Jon Benjamin, Eric Wareheim, Lena Waithe, Noel Wells and Kelvin Yu and is produced by Universal TV and 3 Arts for Netflix.”

Chelsea Handler’s documentary specials? Four of them called “Chelsea Does” coming soon, none of them Chelsea Does Free The Nipple. Instead, they’re Religion, Silicon Valley (Technology), Marriage and Drugs.” Her talk show for Netflix will launch in 2016.

Adam Sandler’s deal, now that he’s done making money for Sony?
“We did our deal with Adam Sandler because he is an enormous international movie star,” Sarandos said. “I don’t have to defend Adam Sandler.” Moreover: “Adam’s audience is mostly at home, and they’re watching his stuff over and over again,”

Stand-up specials coming to Netflix in 2015:
Demetri Martin: Live (At the Time) – Premieres Friday, Aug. 14, 2015
Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy – Premieres Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
Anthony Jeselnik: Thoughts and Prayers – Premieres Friday, Oct. 16, 2015
John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid – Premieres Friday, Nov. 13, 2015
Brent Morin – Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015
Mike Epps: After Dark – Premieres Friday, Dec. 18, 2015

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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