DIRECTV Goes for First Original Comedy

EL SEGUNDO: DIRECTV has given the go-ahead to ten episodes of Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight, an original comedy series penned by Peter Ackerman (The Americans).

Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight is inspired by Ackerman's play of the same name, which focuses on different types of modern-day relationships. Production is slated to begin in Los Angeles next month for broadcast on Audience Network later in the year. The show will be executive produced by Ackerman and Nick Hamm for Momentum TV.

"As DIRECTV continues to bolster the slate of original programming on Audience Network, we are thrilled to present Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight as our first foray into comedy," said Chris Long, the senior VP of original content and production for DIRECTV. "We have always placed a high premium on working with talented, prolific writers like Peter Ackerman, who challenge us to raise the bar creatively."

"We are really proud that our creative partnership with DIRECTV allows us to push boundaries and produce truly original content," noted Hamm. "Peter Ackerman has a unique comedic vision and on Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight he's created a fabulous world of distinct characters and hilarious situations."

"Television these days feels like the Wild West, with new players arriving all the time to stake their claim and create their own programming in fresh, new ways," added Ackerman. "Momentum TV and DIRECTV are at the forefront of this landscape and I couldn't be more proud to participate."