HBO picks up Avenue 5 for series, starring Hugh Laurie

American broadcaster HBO has picked up Armando Iannucci’s new sci-comedy for a full series following a successful pilot. 

Avenue 5 is set 40 years in the future and stars Hugh Laurie as  Ryan Clark, the American captain of a space cruiser taking tourists around the solar system.

Josh Gad plays the billionaire behind the company that owns the ship; while Rebecca Front plays a tourist who illicitly boarded the vessel, yet becomes the voice of the passengers.

The comedy is expected to air on Sky Atlantic in the UK, as it has an exclusive distribution deal with HBO.

Executive producers on the programme include Kevin Loader – who also worked with Iannucci on The Death Of Stalin, as well as  Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche and former stand-up Will Smith, all of whom worked as writers and producers on Veep.

Zach Woods, who played Gabe in the political comedy, also stars in Avenue 5 while other cast members include British actors Nikki Amuka-Bird and Lenora Crichlow; and Americans Suzy Nakamura and Ethan Phillips.

Avenue 5 is set to be filmed in London, as Iannucci stepped down from Veep in 2015 to spend more time with his family in the UK. The comedy is now in its seventh and final season.

HBO’s commission of Avenue 5 was reported by Hollywood trade press including Variety and Deadline.

Published: 23 Apr 2019