Matt LeBlanc As ... Matt LeBlanc
By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (30)
We first reported that Matt LeBlanc (that’s Joey, to most of America) was making a new sitcom for Showtime, with an interesting premise that sounded, well, better than what you’d expect from Matt LeBlanc. But after getting a gander at the below preview, I’m fairly convinced that it’s not only going to work, but it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.
The premise is laid out fairly well in the below clip, but in case you can’t watch it, it is this: When a successful British husband-and-wife comedy team are lured by Hollywood to produce a new version of their hit series for a stateside audience, they’re initially thrilled at the prospects. But they soon realize what the American execs have in store for their precious show — including replacing the erudite British lead with the quintessential comedy star, Matt LeBlanc — and begin to sink deeper into the quicksand that is the TV business. Before long it’s clear that not just the couple’s show is at stake, but perhaps even their marriage.
So, basically LeBlanc — who hasn’t really been seen since “Joey” flopped several years ago — is the punchline. And LeBlanc will be playing himself, though in the clip below, he has to actually audition for the role. Of himself. And the fun part is, LeBlanc is actually playing the beleaguered straight man. And he’s kind of fantastic.
Check it out:
EMBED-Matt LeBlanc Auditions for Episodes - Watch more free videos
The show, which comes from creators David Crane (“Friends”) and Jeffrey Klarik (“Mad About You,” “The Class”), will begin shooting this spring, with an expected six-episode run later this year. It’s being co-produced by Showtime and the BBC.
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Comments
Posted by: Snuggiepants the Deathbringer at January 14, 2010 11:04 AM
Wait. Is anyone familiar with the British comedy "As Time Goes By?" On that show, the male lead has written a book about his experiences living in Kenya and a US production company wants to turn it into a movie/TV show (can't remember which). The next entire season of "As Time Goes By" is about how badly the US production company is going to screw up his story when translating it to the screen.
That sounds familiar!