Starz today announced that their upcoming original series “Blunt Talk” will premiere on Saturday, August 22 along with the return of their hit series “Survivor’s Remorse.” The comedy block kicks off at 9 PM ET/PT with the premiere of “Blunt Talk,” the 10-episode first season of the half-hour scripted comedy series from MRC and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, Jonathan Ames (creator and showrunner), Stephanie Davis and Tristram Shapeero. Then, at 9:30 PM ET/PT comes the debut of the sophomore season of “Survivor’s Remorse,” from executive producers Tom Werner, Maverick Carter, LeBron James, Mike O’Malley, Paul Wachter, Victor Levin and Hilton Smith. The second season of the half-hour scripted comedy series will feature 10 episodes – up from its six-episode first season.
Set in Los Angeles, “Blunt Talk” follows Walter Blunt, a British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news and the fallout from his well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air. Through the platform of his nightly cable news show, Blunt is on a mission to impart his wisdom and guidance on how Americans should live, think and behave. Besieged by network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives and children of all ages, Blunt’s only support is the heavy-drinking, devoted manservant he transplanted from the U.K. to join him in Los Angeles.
The series is greenlit for a two-season, 20-episode commitment.
The cast is led by Patrick Stewart (X-Men franchise, Ted) in the role of Walter Blunt, Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Rosalie, Blunt’s tough and motherly producer-manager and Adrian Scarborough (The King’s Speech) as Harry, Blunt’s manservant. Dolly Wells (“Doll & Em”) who was cast as Celia, Blunt’s senior producer and head writer, with Timm Sharp (“Enlightened”), who was cast as Jim, Blunt’s head writer, round out the cast.
MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door Productions, Inc. serve as executive producers. Ames, who created the series, will also serve as executive producer, showrunner as well as a writer on the project. Tristram Shapeero (“Community”) and Stephanie Davis (“Bored to Death”) serve as executive producers with Shapeero also serving as director. Stewart will also serve as producer on the series.
MRC, the studio behind MacFarlane’s directorial debut Ted, which is the highest grossing original comedy of all time worldwide, the highly anticipated sequel, Ted 2, and the award-winning series “House of Cards,” is best known as one of the most artist-friendly independent studios.
