Hulu Goes Straight to Series with Jason Reitman Comedy

LOS ANGELES: Hulu has given a straight-to-series order for ten episodes of the comedy Casual, which comes from Lionsgate Television and is executive produced by Jason Reitman (Up in the Air, Juno).

Casual will debut on Hulu in 2015. Reitman will direct the premiere episode, working alongside series writer Zander Lehmann and producing partner Helen Estabrook (Whiplash, Young Adult). The half-hour, single-camera comedy follows the story of a dysfunctional family with a bachelor brother and newly divorced sister. All are living under the same roof and raising a teenager.

“Jason Reitman uniquely blends comedy and drama in a way that touches the human spirit. We are honored to work with him to bring the next distinctive voice, Zander Lehmann, to television,” said Craig Erwich, the senior VP and head of content at Hulu.
 
“I've long looked for the right first step into episodic storytelling,” said Reitman. “In Zander Lehmann, I have found the perfect collaborator. His writing is hilarious and provocative.”

“We are big fans of Jason’s work, Zander’s scripts and their wonderfully perceptive take on contemporary family life,” said Kevin Beggs, the chairman of Lionsgate Television Group. “Working with Hulu has been a great experience and we’re excited about this latest expansion of our relationship.”