Creator-Driven Series Lead truTV’s 2016-17 Lineup

ATLANTA: Turner’s revamped comedy channel truTV has unveiled its 2016-17 programming slate, which comprises 16 new creator-driven series, pilots, specials and renewals.

truTV has given the go-ahead to Jon Glaser Loves Gear, in which the titular actor/comedian attempts to make a docuseries about his life’s passion. The 10×30-minute show, created by Glaser, will debut in the fall. There is also Greatest Ever, a pop-culture comedy countdown hosted by Amanda Seales. The 6×30-minute series, made by Meetinghouse Productions, will premiere on July 5. Then there is Lifescaping (w.t.), a Redtail Media production that teaches viewers a variety of life skills. The 13×30-minute program is hosted by Matthew Latkiewicz and Abbi Crutchfield, and will begin airing this summer.

The network has also greenlit The Problem with Apu (w.t.), a 90-minute special created by and starring comedian Hari Kondabolu. The Marobru and Avon Television production is due to debut in the fall. Also in the fall, there will be an all-new Impractical Jokers live event special, which follows on the success of last year’s Impractical Jokers 100th Episode Live Punishment Special. The two-hour event comes from NorthSouth Productions.

truTV has ordered six new pilots, including the tentatively titled comedies Small Victories, written by and starring Melissa Hunter, and I’m Sorry, penned by and starring Andrea Savage. New unscripted pilots include untitled projects from Kondabolu, Kevin Pereira and Olivia Lee, as well as an untitled comedic news show in development created by Jena Friedman.

The channel has renewed Fameless, Hack My Life and Those Who Can’t. Additional episodes have been ordered for the first-season shows Comedy Knockout and Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack. These renewals join truTV’s current original series Adam Ruins Everything, Billy on the Street, Impractical Jokers and The Carbonaro Effect.

“Having successfully re-launched truTV in 2014, we have now turned a corner when it comes to premium content,” said Chris Linn, the president of truTV. “The new truTV is built around compelling, creator-driven shows featuring clear points of view and unique takes on different topics and formats, all told through a strong comedic lens. Armed with this momentum and a fresh slate of programming from a diverse group of talent, we are building on a solid foundation and brand promise that is breaking through and clearly resonating with a growing audience of highly coveted fans.”

“Chris and the entire truTV team have delivered on their promise to develop a fresh, comedic environment with passionate, socially engaged fans,” added Donna Speciale, the president of Turner ad sales. “As we build on that promise with enhanced storytelling and low clutter, the truTV environment has become an exclusive must-buy for advertisers.”