MTV has greenlit a rare scripted series as part of a programming slate of new reality and variety shows announced Tuesday.
The 12-episode scripted series, with a working title of Hard Times, is half-hour comedy series on the lines of Superbad and The Wonder Years, which chronicles the life of an unpopular teenager, according to the network. The series is produced by David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith.
"Our commitment to the scripted genre has never been stronger ... and with the greenlight of Hard Times, along with the many scripted projects in the development pipeline, we have focused in on the right concepts coupled with the right execution and talent to define our brand in this arena," said Tony DiSanto, president of programming for MTV in a statement.
Other shows picked up by MTV include a untitled sketch comedy/reality series from actor and popular online performer Robert Hoffman; Downtown Girls, a reality series that follows the exploits of five funny, sexy, smart 20-somethings in New York City; Megadrive, a reality series starring Johnny Pemberton, who attempts to travel across America without crashing and destroying some of the most extreme vehicles; and American Idiots, an extreme reality series produced by Ashton Kutcher, featuring people who re-enact popular viral videos for cash prizes.
"Our viewers expect reinvention and creative diversity from MTV, and this greenlight slate gives them a peek at the broad spectrum of new ideas, tones and formats we are focusing on to break beyond just reality TV," said DiSanto.
Among the returning series for MTV are sophomore series Teen Cribs, daily strip series Is She Really Going Out With Him; and game show series Silent Library, according to the network.
