Even given its particular brand of British wit, Peep Show has become something of an obsession for American channels looking for the next big comedy crossover. It has been developed several times, reaching pilot stage but never quite making it on screen. According to co-creator Sam Bain, a new version is in the works at US cable network FX, with the main roles played this time by women.
Writing in The Guardian about diversity in comedy this weekend, Bain snuck mention of the latest development into his piece. "What would Peep Show have been like with women as the two leads? It’s a great question – and it’s one I’ll shortly have the answer to, because there is a script in development for a US Peep Show with two female leads. It’s at FX Networks and it will be written by top comedy brain Karey Dornetto."
Dornetto is a veteran of shows such as Portlandia and Community, so she's certainly someone who can handle this sort of specific comedy.
Peep Show, for those who have never seen it, famously followed the lives of Mark Corrigan, a socially awkward loan manager, played by David Mitchell, and Jeremy Usborne, a juvenile slacker and unemployed musician, (Robert Webb). The dysfunctional pair share a flat in London, having met at University. The cast also included the likes of Matt King and the always ace (and now Oscar-owning) Olivia Colman. Will this latest take on the show succeed where others have failed? Luckily we’re all English so no-one’s going to ask any questions. Thank you, centuries of emotional repression!
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