Chris Hardwick Launches Production Company With Former Universal Television Executive

Fish Ladder to focus on scripted and unscripted new programming for AMC and affiliated networks

Chris Hardwick and Mike Clements
Chris Hardwick (left) and Mike Clements

Chris Hardwick has launched a new production company, called Fish Ladder, along with former Universal Television executive Mike Clements, TheWrap has learned.

Fish Ladder will focus on creating scripted and unscripted programming for AMC and affiliated networks, including IFC, SundanceTV, and BBC America. It already has several projects in the works, according to a statement.

“I’m very excited to expand my relationship with AMC Studios to create programming for any and all of their channels!” Hardwick said.

Clements will serve as president of the company, where he will work with Hardwick on developing programming.

Clements is coming over from Universal Television, where he was appointed head of the studio’s comedy development team in 2015. He also has experience working at animation studio Bento Box, as an executive producer on HBO and MTV series, and on the early stages of Fox and the WB, where he worked on series like “Married with Children,” “The Simpsons,” and more.

“Mike has the PERFECT balance of skill sets to help me make Fish Ladder a substantial production entity,” Hardwick added.

“Chris Hardwick has an infectious enthusiasm and genuine interest for people and stories that cover the pop-culture landscape,” Clements said. “I am excited to tap into that energy and help Chris build Fish Ladder into a brand that will attract the kind of great storytellers who share that enthusiasm.”

Hardwick has a prior relationship with AMC, where he hosts “The Talking Dead,” a chat show that immediately follows new episodes of “The Walking Dead.” It was recently announced that it’ll run into the off-season as “Talking with Chris Hardwick,” where the host will interview other guests.

Hardwick has been having a busy couple of years thanks to his popular podcast “The Nerdist Podcast” along with its associated website, his gig as the host of Comedy Central’s “@midnight,” and as the co-executive producer and host of NBC’s game show “The Wall.”

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