NBC has announced that it has picked up eight episodes of "Funniest Person In America"
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The one-hour reality series, from Peter Engel Productions in association with NBC Enterprises, will feature a nationwide talent search for up to ten real-life comedians both female and male. The show will then follow them as they live together in a house and compete for the ultimate prize - a primetime development deal with the network. The series will air in the spring or summer of 2003.
"In watching numerous reality shows, I realized that the people most deserving of at least fifteen minutes of fame are comedians. Night after night, comics all over the country take the stage to spread joy and laughter. This show is a wonderful opportunity to give a much-deserved 'big break' to the hardest working people in show business that I know," said Mohr.
Mohr, who was instrumental in creating "Funniest Person In America," including the pilot "Comic House," will also executive produce alongside Peter Engel ("Saved By The Bell," "USA High," "City Guys").
"Jay Mohr’s experience in the world of comedy and his passion for this project really sold me. Jay and Peter Engel are the right team for this concept," said Gaspin.
"I am totally excited to be working on this project with Jay Mohr and his Giraffe Productions. It is really the culmination of all the efforts we've put in during our long tenure at NBC. The pilot was really fun. We can't wait to get started," said Engel.
"Funniest Person in America" is from Peter Engel Productions in association with NBC Enterprises, and Giraffe Productions. Peter Engel, Jay Mohr and Barry Katz ("Mohr Sports") are executive producers and Rob Fox ("Real World," "The Osbournes") is co-executive producer. "Funniest Person In America" was conceived by Brittany Levin, director of creative affairs for Peter Engel Productions. Jamila Hunter, director of alternative series for NBC, was instrumental in developing the project for NBC.