FX Orders Zach Galifianakis Comedy Series

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FX has tapped actor Zach Galifianakis to star in a new comedy series for the network, said network executives.

The series, Baskets, will follow Galifianakis as he sets out to become a professional clown but ends up working at a local rodeo, said network officials. FX has ordered 10 episodes of Baskets, which is scheduled to launch in 2016.

Galifianakis will co-produce the series along with comedian Louis C.K. (Louie) and Jonathan Krisel (Portlandia). Baskets is the first production under FX Productions overall deal with Louis C.K. and his production company Pig Newton.

“Zach Galifianakis, Louis C.K. and Jonathan Krisel have created an absolutely brilliant show,” said Eric Schrier, president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions.  “To say Zach’s portrayal of the lead character Chip Baskets is hilarious/unique/riveting/fascinating would be an understatement.  We can’t wait for the world to meet him.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.