23 SHARES Facebook Twitter

Filmmaker Armando Iannucci is a bit of a prized possession over at HBO. As the creator of the TV series “Veep,” the director’s contribution to the premium network has earned numerous Emmy’s and the status as one of the best comedy series of the last 20 years. But sadly, that series is coming to an end this year, leaving a major comedy void at HBO. But never fear, Iannucci is here to do it all over again with his new series, “Avenue 5.”

According to Variety, HBO has just picked up the filmmaker’s latest comedy series, “Avenue 5” for a first season. The series is set to star Hugh Laurie as the captain of a spaceship forty years in the future. And considering Laurie is a bit of a comedy legend over in the UK, and has cemented himself as a TV star in the US, thanks to his long-running medical drama “House,” it would appear that HBO has all the makings of a worthy successor to “Veep.”

READ MORE: Armando Iannucci Reveals More Details About His “Space Tourism” HBO Series ‘Avenue 5’

Iannucci is set to serve as a producer on this new series, alongside Kevin Loader, Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, and Will Smith. The pilot episode will be directed by the famous filmmaker, as well.

Joining Laurie in the cast are Josh Gad, Zach Woods, Nikki Amuka, Rebecca Front, Lenora Crichlow, Suzy Nakamura, and Ethan Phillips. I’m sure the rest of these folks are great and all, but I may be more excited that Zach Woods is getting another series than anything else in this announcement. He’s a national treasure.

No word on a release date for “Avenue 5,” but considering what we said about “Veep” coming to an end this year, it would seem likely that HBO wants this series up and running as quickly as possible.