Paul Feig Puts Together a Fake Talk Show Comedy for the UK

Paul Feig, the director of “Bridesmaids” and creator of the great “Freaks and Geeks,” is headed across the pond for his latest TV venture. “Ronna & Beverly” is a six-part mock talk show for Sky Atlantic HD based on Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo’s comedic live act, in which they play the titular blunt 50-something Jewish mothers who ask invasive questions of their guests and offer them unsolicited advice.

The guest list for the live act has included Matthew Perry, Rachael Harris, Jeff Garlin, Russell Brand and Chris O’Dowd among many others. The pilot episode for the TV version features Jon Hamm of some show called “Mad Men” and “Episodes” star Stephen Mangan.

Feig and stars Chaffin and Denbo have tried and failed to make this series work in the US — they made a pilot for Showtime in 2009 that wasn’t picked up. Feig theorized to Deadline that the reason it’s resonated more with UK networks is that “British audiences responded to these overbearing American characters, and the show is Ab Fab meets everyone’s obnoxious parents who ask horrifying questions.”

“Ronna & Beverly” will air on Sky Atlantic HD this year, and who knows? Might serve as a bridge for the show to come to the US after all.

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