It looks like the network execs have left programming up to those rollerskating monkeys again. That could be the only reason why ABC chose to leave "The Thick of It" off its fall schedule.
"The Thick of It" is based on a BBC comedy set in the world of politics. Not laughing? One of the people adapting it for U.S. TV was Mitch Hurwitz, the brain behind "Arrested Development." It stars John Michael Higgins, who was in the mega-hit "The Break Up," is a regular in Christopher Guest's movies, and was Elaine's newly bald boyfriend in "The Little Jerry" episode of "Seinfeld." Co-stars include Oliver Platt ("Huff"), Alex Borstein ("Family Guy") and Michael McKean (also a Guest regular and Lenny from "Laverne & Shirley"). The pilot is even directed by Guest himself. How many more names do you need?
However, ABC's trash is surely someone else's treasure. NBC, HBO and Showtime (who was rumored to want "Arrested" when Fox first dumped it, but only if Hurwitz was part of the package) are all interested, says the Hollywood Reporter.
Showtime was actually campaigning for the show when ABC first snagged it. NBC's new boss, Ben Silverman, is one of the people responsible for adapting "The Office." They also might want to pair it with "The IT Crowd" another BBC-based comedy premiering this fall. Stay tuned. -- Rachel Cericola