A Family Guy and an X-Men member are teaming up for some serious comedic antics.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Starz has ordered two seasons of a Seth MacFarlane comedy series, "Blunt Talk." Along for the ride is "Bored to Death" creator Jonathan Ames and actor Patrick Stewart, who will both produce and star in the series.
The 73-year-old actor will play British newsman Walter Blunt, who goes to America with a plan to conquer cable news and educate individuals how to live. Chris Albrecht, Starz CEO, described Patrick's character as "a borderline alcoholic, mad-genius-Brit - the man you want fighting in American's corner."
"Blunt Talk is a character-driven comedy revolving around Walter Blunt (Stewart), a British transplant intent on conquering the world of American cable news," according to a description from The Hollywood Reporter. "Through the platform of his nightly interview 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 supporter is the alcoholic manservant he brought with him from the U.K. to join him in Los Angeles. The series follows the fallout from Blunt's well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air."
The Media Rights Capital (MRC) series was picked up with 20 episodes over two seasons. Albrecht said MacFarlane and Ames collaboration "balance between biting wit and outright absurdity in building this world."
This will be Stewart's first regular TV role since "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which ran from 1987 to 1994. Stewart and MacFarlane has worked together in the past - with Stewart voicing Avery Bullock on "American Dad" and several characters on "Family Guy."
"I'm beyond thrilled to be working with Jonathan Ames and Sir Patrick Stewart," MacFarlane said, according to Worldscreen.com. "Jonathan's creative talent is formidable, and his writing style is wholly original, hilarious, and provocative. And of course, Patrick Stewart is one of the greatest actors alive today. His skill and versatility are unmatched, and he will excel as the star of his own show. Thank you Starz for allowing us to bring Walter Blunt to life!"
"Blunt Talk" will premiere in 2015.
