MTV Orders 3 Comedy Pilots, Including Nicole Byer Vehicle; ‘Girl Code’ Offshoot
MTV is strengthening its focus on female viewers with Ladylike, a new hidden camera series from the creators of Girl Code, and three scripted pilot orders.
Under Susanne Daniels, MTV moved away from male-centered comedy series likeThe Hard Times of RJ Burger, I Just Want My Pants Back and Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, to female-centered shows, looking to build on the success of the network’s breakout hit Awkward. That led to Faking It. And now, Daniels’ scripted lieutenant Mina Lefevre, recently upped to co-head of programming following Daniels’ exit, is staying the course with three female-driven scripted comedy pilots, an untitled project from Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont (Can’t Hardly Wait);Little Darlings, created by 27-year old Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and executive produced by Stacey Sher; and a vehicle for comedienne Nicole Byer of MTV’s Girl Code.
On the unscripted side, where the shift was signaled by moves like spinning of Guy Code into Girl Code, MTV has greenlighted new series Ladylike, which features several Girl Code alums, including Byer.
“Girl Code is all about smart and funny women who aren’t afraid to talk about anything, and Ladylike takes that sensibility to the streets to raise hell and challenge a few gender norms along the way,” said Lauren Dolgen, co-head of programming and head of reality. Here are descriptions of Ladylike and the three newly picked up comedy pilots:
Ladylike – Girl Code alums Nicole Byer, Jade Catta-Preta, and Matteo Lane and comedian Blair Socci take to the streets in this hilarious half-hour hidden camera prank show as they redefine what it means to be “Ladylike”. With attitude and irreverence our cast will challenge social norms and unleash uncompromising and ridiculous situations on the unsuspecting public. “Ladylike” is Executive Produced by Ryan Ling (Bird Brain Productions).
Untitled Nicole Byer Project – Nicole Byer portrays a young adult who is forced to move in with her sister and four kids in the suburbs after causing a fire in her New York City apartment. Aunt Nicole will offer her own brand of advice to her sister’s kids while trying to get her life back on track. Executive Producers include Christian Lander, Avi Gilbert with 3 Arts Entertainment and Nicole Byer will be a consulting producer.
Untitled Kaplan/Elfont Pilot – From writing team and executive producers Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. Paige and Jordan may be weed dealers, but in their eyes they are entrepreneurs. Their dope delivery app is quickly gaining popularity with foodies, celebrities and – the most particular and crucial consumer – hipsters. This pilot takes a hilarious look at two girls living in LA: desperate to succeed, find a little romance, and keep their clients happy and high – all with the least amount of effort possible. Entertainment 360 (Game Of Thrones) will be executive producing.
Little Darlings – Created by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson,Little Darlings” is a dark half-hour comedy about two very unlikely friends taking justice into their own hands and kicking literal ass on their college campus. Jules comes off as the perfect sorority dream girl, but little do her red-cup-toting sisters know, she’s got a completely different agenda come nightfall. Ophelia, your everyday stoner-hacker-hellion, has officially run out of effs to give, and when she discovers Jules may be the masked vigilante exacting justice on campus her interest in college life is re-energized. Stacey Sher will serve as executive producer and Robinson will co-executive-produce and wrote the pilot.
“These unique and provocative comedies are the perfect way for us to expand our existing slate,” said Lefevre, EVP and Head of Scripted.
Robinson is repped by CAA, The Gotham Group, and Ryan Goodell. Sher is repped by CAA and attorneys Kevin Marks and Cheryl Snow. Lander is repped by WME and attorney Lev Ginsburg.