FX commits to 13 episodes

Jim Jefferies has landed his own American sitcom

The FX network has commissioned a 13-part series from the Australian stand-up, called Legit, following the success of a pilot last year.

Jefferies will play a version of himself – a hard-living stand-up who tries to go straight, or ‘legit’, with mixed results

He created the show with Peter O'Fallon, a director whose credits include The Riches and Thirtysomething.

FX executive Nick Grad said: ‘We really love the pilot that Peter and Jim shot.

‘This is going to be a breakout vehicle for Jim. He has such a unique voice, which is the common trait of any great comedian. It just happens to be spoken with an Australian accent.’

Jefferies said he was happy to land the show on the network that airs Louis CK’s show Louis, the cult hit It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Russell Brand’s forthcoming stand-up show Brand X.

He said: ‘FX has set the bar so high with shows like Louie and Sunny, but I believe Peter and I have created something special.

‘The cast is amazing, and FX has given us all the freedom we need. I can’t wait for people to see it.’

Dan Bakkedahl – an improviser from Chicago's Second City who has had roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Community – co-stars as Steve, Jim's best friend, with character actor DJ Qualls set to play Steve's brother, Billy.

Jefferies honed his stand-up craft in the UK, but has spent the past three years in Los Angeles, trying to break America.

Legit will air in the states in January next year.

Published: 6 Jun 2012