- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Showtime is moving forward with Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The musical comedy, originally sold as a pitch from writer-actress Rachel Bloom in October of last year, has received a pilot order.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Bloom’s pilot, co-penned by fellow executive producer Aline Brosh McKenna, will film this summer with (500) Days of Summer helmer Marc Webb on board to direct and executive produce.
“This pilot is an exciting change of pace for us,” said Showtime Networks president David Nevins. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is built on the inspired comedy and songwriting of Rachel Bloom — who, we believe, is ready to break out. She was introduced to us by Aline Brosh McKenna, who has a brilliant, contemporary comedy voice that is spot-on as showrunner of this project. And we were lucky to attract director Marc Webb, who is eager to flex different creative muscles after his blockbuster successes.”
PHOTOS THR‘s Cover Shoot With the Stars of Showtime
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a half-hour with “musical elements,” stars Bloom as Rebecca — a young woman who abandons a choice job at a law firm and her life in New York in an attempt to find love in the unlikely locale of West Covina, Calif. CBS Television Studios is producing.
“I am so happy to be working with Rachel Bloom, who is not just a powerhouse musical comedy talent but also a fabulous writer and creator — I feel very lucky to have found her videos online,” said Brosh McKenna. “We are thrilled that Marc Webb, whom I’ve wanted to work with for such a long time, has come aboard as we move forward with the pilot. David Nevins has been a great champion of the show from the second we stepped into his office, and Showtime and CBS have been ideal creative partners. They’ve given us both freedom and support, which is all writers can really ask for.”
TV is not new to Webb, who most recently directed The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, but it has been a while. His last TV gig was the 2010 Lone Star pilot. Brosh McKenna’s credits include the screenplays for We Bought a Zoo, The Devil Wears Prada and the upcoming reboots of Annie and Cinderella.
It’s the second comedy pilot order from Showtime in just a week. The network also ordered rock comedy Roadies from Cameron Crowe, Winnie Holzman and J.J. Abrams. Showtime ordered Billions, a drama pilot from The New York Times‘ Andrew Ross Sorkin, back in April.
Brosh McKenna and Webb are both repped by CAA, and Webb is managed by Anonymous Content. Bloom is repped by UTA and 3 Arts.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day