Steve Coogan is to star in a new American comedy.

The Showtime cable network confirmed that it has picked up Happyish for ten hour-long episodes.

In it, Coogan plays 44-year-old Thom Payne, whose life is thrown into crisis by the arrival of a younger boss who spouts digital catchphrases. It is described as ‘a comedic, soul-searching examination of our pursuit of happiness and why it continues to be so elusive’

The series was originally due to star Philip Seymour Hoffman, and commissioned for a full run – but went back to the pilot stage when Coogan stepped in to the late actors shows.

Happyish creator Shalom Auslander has previously praised Coogan's talents, saying: 'Steve’s range is astounding — he is a comedy legend, a gifted satirist, and he possesses the unique combination of talents this role demands.'

The series will be shot in New York and starts airing in the States on April 26. It co-stars Ellen Barkin, Carrie Preston Molly Price and Andre Royo,

Published: 13 Jan 2015