Look out America!

[DePloderer]

Fox hunts Brit laffer

Pilots reach across pond, to past

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

 

Fox has traveled across the pond to find its "Union Jackass," a comedy pilot starring British character actor Al Murray.

Net has also greenlit the drama "Drive," a sudsersudser revolving around an "Amazing Race" competishcompetish, but on acid; and CBS has ordered the grandpa/grandson laffer "Generations."

 

On the casting front, "MASH" veteran David Ogden Stiers is set to return to network TV in Fox's "Worst Week of My Life," while Balthazar Getty and Chazz PalminteriChazz Palminteri have landed roles in upcoming pilots.

 

Also, the CW has found its "Girlfriends""Girlfriends" spinoff stars and Simon West ("When a Stranger Calls") is set to direct the CBS pilot "Under Pressure."

 

"Union Jackass," from 20th Century Fox TV and Avalon TV, stars Murray as an outspoken Brit who is forced to relocate to the Colonies -- specifically, Santa Monica -- when his ex-wife and young son move there.

 

Dan O'KeefeDan O'Keefe ("The Drew Carey Show""The Drew Carey Show") will write and exec produce, along with Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner and David MartinDavid Martin.

 

"Union Jackass" is based on Murray's alter ego "The Pub Landlord," a cranky, Archie Bunker-like character who was born out of his stand-up act. As the Pub Landlord (who until now hasn't been given a name, but is referred to in the U.S. pilot as "Al"), Murray has starred in the Sky One sitcomsitcom "Time Gentlemen Please," the ITV1 special "An Audience With Al Murray the Pub Landlord" and the quiz show "Fact Hunt."

 

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If it does ever get aired, give it a go. I find him drop dead funny. Don't expect anything subtle like The Office, more like a slap in the face really.

Edited May 8, 2006 by DePloderer