Fox and the comedy trio the Lonely Island have made a multi-year deal.
The trio of Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone are responsible for a slew of “Saturday Night Live” digital shorts and songs including “I’m On a Boat” and “Like a Boss,” among others. The news comes the morning after Andy Samberg and his new Fox show, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” won Golden Globes.
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Through their new company, the Lonely Island will oversee the development of comedy projects for digital platforms like Hulu and Roku, with the ultimate goal of becoming full series on FOX, FX, FXX or other networks.
“This is FOX’s third alternative development venture, and I’m ecstatic that we’re launching it with comedic geniuses The Lonely Island,” said Kevin Reilly, FOX’s chairman of entertainment. “I’ve admired Akiva, Andy and Jorma’s work for many years, and they share our desire to give creators more independence and the opportunity to take risks. These guys know what it takes to break through – whether online or on air – and they are the perfect partners to help us find the next generation of comedy hits.”
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“Andy, Jorma and I are super excited to work with Mr. Reilly and everyone at FOX to make innovative and cool TV shows that might not otherwise make it through the normal development process. Reilly has given us a sandbox to play in, and we’ve brought our shovels, buckets, towels, sunblock, some old Grisham paperbacks, a Luna bar – wait – what was I talking about again?” said Schaffer.
In 2012, FOX launched Animation Domination High-Def, its alternative animation unit. In 2013, the network announced a strategic deal with digital studio WIGS.
The Lonely Island’s debut album, “Incredibad,” was released by Republic Records in February 2009 and is the first comedy album to reach No. 1 on iTunes. Their 2011 sophomore album, “Turtleneck & Chain,” which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Comedy Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “I’m On A Boat.”