Will America go for a soccer comedy? | NBC orders a pilot script

Will America go for a soccer comedy?

NBC orders a pilot script

It sounds like a tough sell – but American network executives are developing a sitcom based around soccer.

Imported centres on an American family who moves to London when one of their sons is signed up by a Premiership football club.

Broadcaster NBC has ordered a sample script from Robert Borden, who previously wrote for The Late Show With David Letterman, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It is based on an Israeli show of the same name, described as a 'lost in translation story of culture clashes, family ties and celebrity'.

In the original, Adir Meyuhas is signed up for Chelsea, but his excitement about The fame, the game and the glitzy London lifestyle are short-lived after he lands in the UK with his pushy father, idle brother and diva girlfriend in tow. Publicity shots for the sitcom show his character in a strip for Championship side Brentford, rather than Chelsea.

The show was a hit when it debuted on Israel's Keshnet Broadcasting this summer, attracting a 41 per cent audience share for the first of eight half-hour episodes.

It was launched alongside a 'phone hacking' app, which allowed viewers to read characters' text, email and WhatsApp messages and view their social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Here are the opening titles for the Israeli version:

Published: 8 Dec 2015

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