BBC America said it ordered a full season of The Nerdist, a comedy-variety talk show based on comedian, writer, Doctor Who evangelist and web pundit Chris Hardwick’s hit Nerdist Podcast. The season will premiere in spring 2013 as part of the channel's Supernatural Saturday programming block, also home to Doctor Who, Being Human and new original series Orphan Black. Along with The Nerdist series, Chris Hardwick will be fronting the entire Supernatural Saturday programming block in the spring.
The Nerdist will continue to be produced by Nerdist Industries and Comcast Entertainment Studios, with Chris Hardwick, Alex Murray, Jay James, Gary Snegaroff and K.P. Anderson serving as executive producers.
The series pick-up (10 one-hour episodes) follows a collection of specials pegged to pop culture events throughout 2012. Matt Mira and Jonah Ray, Hardwick’s partners in the Nerdist Podcast, will return as contributors. The Nerdist series will be shot in Los Angeles on a brand-new set and will feature celebrity guests, UK and US-based correspondents as well as stand-up and musical performances.
Perry Simon, general manager, channels, BBC Worldwide America, said in a release: “We could not be more pleased to be expanding our relationship with Chris by ordering The Nerdist series with an exciting new format, as well as having Chris host our Supernatural Saturday block. Ever since early 2011, Chris has brought his loyal legion of fans to BBC AMERICA through his successful Nerdist specials and, as America’s #1 Doctor Who fan, hosting countless Doctor Who-related events for our channel.”
