EXCLUSIVE: Peacock has acquired U.S. rights to season one and two of Brit sitcom Hapless.
The series, which heralds from veteran Brit director Gary Sinyor, revolves around an obsessive and gaffe-prone journalist for a fictional Jewish newspaper. Tim Downie (Outlander, Paddington) stars.
The “cringe” comedy has been described as similar in its approach to U.S. hit Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Both series are on Prime in the UK and have also been picked up by Viaplay for Scandinavia, Poland and Benelux.
Series two stars Jeany Spark as Paul’s sweary single mum sister Naomi and Mike Fenton Stevens as his impish Dad with Josh Howie reprising his role as neurotic singleton Simon.
Hapless is written and directed by Gary Sinyor whose credits include Leon The Pig Farmer, Stiff Upper Lips and New Line’s The Bachelor.
“Paul is like a younger Larry [David] but without the money and success, and more hair,” said Sinyor.
Executive producer for the series is James Spring of Fred Films/Blue Penguin TV (Fishmen’s Friends).
Spring said: “Hapless satirises everyone and everything. It’s united the UK in getting belly laughs from a wide audience and we’re excited to see how the U.S. reacts.”
Sinyor added: “It’s always been my aim to get Hapless into the U.S. The Britishness makes it fresh and offbeat while the ‘jangle’ (Jewish Angle) gives it familiarity. Peacock looks like a perfect way to reach a massive American comedy audience.”
