TV deal for Edinburgh comic

American comedian Hannibal Buress is set to star in his own sitcom – co-written with Superbad star Jonah Hill.

The Fox network has signed the former 30 Rock writer – whose stand-up show was one of the hits of this year’s Edinburgh – to produce a pilot script. If nothing comes of it, the broadcaster will have to pay a penalty.

Executive producer Dave Becky told industry website Deadline, which broke the news: ‘From the first time I saw Hannibal perform, I started banging down the door to be the person to help guide his unique voice and material to television . I feel lucky he chose me and my bosses at Fox.’

Buress added: ‘My initial dream was to write a show for Fox News, but Jonah convinced me we’d have a slightly better shot at normal Fox.’

The format and subject of the show has not yet been decided.

Published: 12 Oct 2011