FX Goes for 10/90 Deal on George Lopez Sitcom

LOS ANGELES: FX has entered into a 10/90 deal with Lionsgate Television and Debmar-Mercury for a half-hour sitcom starring comedian George Lopez, Saint George.

The series sees Lopez playing a man who is juggling the stresses of his demanding ex-wife, 11-year-old son, overbearing mother (who just moved in) and his new role as a philanthropist "giving back" by teaching history once a week at a night school. The show will be produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Wind Dancer Films, Travieso Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment. FX has ordered 10 episodes of Saint George and, as is standard with the 10/90 model, if the series meets designated ratings thresholds over it first 10-episode run, the network will trigger an additional 90-episode order.

"George Lopez is an incredibly gifted actor-producer and one of the most talented comedians in the business," said Chuck Saftler, the executive VP of FX Networks. "The 10/90 model requires a unique individual who has the ability to pull off this kind of daunting schedule. George is that guy and we couldn’t be happier that he chose FX as the home for his new project. We’ve had a great experience working with Kevin Beggs and his team at Lionsgate as well as with Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein at Debmar-Mercury, and are thrilled to expand that relationship."

Lopez said, "I’m excited about my new show, couldn’t think a better group of people or better place to create than FX…..Now to get ready… Back to Pilates!"

Wild Dancer Films’ Matt Williams, co-creator, added, "George is one of the smartest, funniest guys around. David and I are thrilled to be working with him."

"FX has been an outstanding partner and we know it will provide the perfect fit for this terrific concept from the great comedy mind of George Lopez," commented Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. "Our business model is all about finding unique talent and broad concepts that have the best chance of succeeding both on networks and later in off-net syndication. George Lopez’s broad appeal and strong following from the rapidly growing Hispanic audience, combined with the unmatched experience and track record of Matt and David, makes us extremely confident they can deliver our next big hit."

Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group’s president, added, "In the tradition of George’s frank and fearless standup comedy, Saint George will reflect his no-holds-barred comedic take on the tensions surrounding race, class, sex and family life in Los Angeles through the eyes of a man straddling two separate cultures. George is an extraordinary talent and we are privileged to be working with him and with Matt and David, who are responsible for some of the most successful television comedies ever produced."