Pop Sets First Scripted Series, 'Schitt's Creek'
Pop, the rebranded TVGN, is set to air its first original scripted series, a comedy called Schitt's Creek.
The show was commissioned by Canada's CBC, created by SCTV alum Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy and produced by Not A Real Company. It will premiere in the U.S. and Canada in early 2015.
"This show answers the question - what would the Kardashians do if they woke up one day, completely broke?," said Pop president of entertainment, Brad Schwartz, who grew up in Canada.
"Not only is this project a clever cultural commentary where the 1-percent is suddenly the 99, but it fits right in the heart of everything we're building at our new network. It's a dream cast, it's hysterically funny, and it's sure to pop."
The series is about a rich video store owner and his family who suddenly find themselves broke and living in a depressing town--Schitt's Creek--that they'd bought as a joke.
In addition to the Levys, the show stars Catherine O'Hara and Chris Elliott.
"It took a very special project like Schitt's Creek to bring me back to television," said Eugene Levy. "I'm thrilled to be reunited on-screen with my dear friend Catherine O'Hara and to have the opportunity to work with the wonderfully hilarious Chris Elliot, the up-and-coming Annie Murphy, and my son Dan, who is amazingly talented and a great partner-working together has only made me look better."
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Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.