“Blunt Talk,” from exec producer Seth MacFarlane and starring Patrick Stewart, began production this week in Los Angeles on the first 10-episode season. Starz released the first photos from the scripted comedy Wednesday.
The half-hour comedy from Media Rights Capital (MRC) and series creator Jonathan Ames who is exec producing with MacFarlane, Tristram Shapeero and Stephanie Davis was given a 20-episode, two season commitment.
“It was a great first day on the set of ‘Blunt Talk,’” said Ames. “Patrick Stewart was noble, loony, and heroic. And that was before the first shot. Later, in character as Walter Blunt, he was all those things and more.”
The original series, set in L.A., follows Walter Blunt (Stewart), a Brit who’s intent on taking over American cable news, and the fallout from his unintentional, yet misguided decision making both on air and off. Besieged by his network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, ex-wives and children, Blunt’s only support is the alcoholic manservant (Adrian Scarborough) he transplanted from across the pond to join him out west.
Alongside Stewart, Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”) plays Rosalie, Blunt’s tough and motherly producer-manager; Dolly Wells (“Doll & Em,”) plays Celia, Blunt’s head producer and writer; Timm Sharp (“Enlightened”) plays Jim, Blunt’s head writer; and Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) will recur as Dr. Weiss, Blunt’s therapist.
“Blunt Talk” is slated to premiere this summer.
