IFC has greenlit a scripted comedy from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, as well as a sketch show from Ben Stiller and Bob Odenkirk.
"The Spoils of Babylon," is a television adaptation of a fake best-selling epic novel by author Eric Jonrosh (Ferrell). An ensemble cast, to be announced later, will chronicle the sexy and dramatic lives of a family that made a fortune in the oil business. IFC has ordered six, half-hour episodes to premiere late this year.
The series, from Ferrell and McKay's Funny or Die, is also produced by its director Matt Piedmont ("Casa de mi Padre"), and Andrew Steele ("Saturday Night Live"), who wrote the script.
“This is a crazy and maybe even a stupid idea,” says Will Ferrell. “IFC is either really courageous or really stupid which makes them the perfect partner for us."
IFC also greenlit ten half-hour episodes of "The Birthday Boys," a new scripted sketch show executive produced by Odenkirk ("Breaking Bad," "Mr. Show") and Stiller ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Zoolander") who worked together previously on "SNL."
The Birthday Boys features the Los Angeles comedy group of the same name, as well as Odenkirk.
“The Birthday Boys are too good to just be making viral videos. They are funny enough to fill time between episodes of 'Portlandia,'” said Ben Stiller. “I’m thrilled to be working with Bob Odenkirk again on a TV project. We try to do something every 20 years or so."
Added Odenkirk, “The Birthday Boys are a super funny and fresh new comic voice. I will try not to slow them down.”
The group includes Jefferson Dutton, Dave Ferguson, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis, Matt Kowalick, Mike Mitchell and Chris VanArtsdalen, who have worked on shows including "Parks and Recreation," "The Office," "Conan," "Comedy Bang! Bang!," and "Portlandia."
