The STARZ Original series “Blunt Talk” has today announced the casting of several recurring and guest roles for the first season of the half-hour scripted comedy series, arriving from MRC and executive producers Seth MacFarlane, Jonathan Ames, Tristram Shapeero and Stephanie Davis.
Ed Begley Jr. (“Arrested Development,” “St. Elsewhere”), Mary Holland (“Silicon Valley,” “Parks and Recreation”), Karan Soni (Safety Not Guaranteed, “Betas”) and Romany Malco (Think Like A Man, Top Five) have been cast in recurring roles on the series. Begley will play the husband to Jacki Weaver’s character Rosalie. Holland, Soni and Malco complete the staffing of the newsroom of Walter Blunt’s cable show.
Additionally, musician and actor Moby, Sharon Lawrence (“Rizzoli & Isles,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Trace Lysette (“Transparent”), Golden Brooks (“Girlfriends”), Windell D. Middlebrooks (“Body of Proof,” “Scrubs”) and Steve Valentine (“Anger Management”) will be making guest star appearances in the series.
The actors join the previously announced cast led by Patrick Stewart (X-Men franchise, Ted) in the role of Walter Blunt, Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Rosalie, Blunt’s tough and motherly producer-manager and Adrian Scarborough (The King’s Speech) as Harry, Blunt’s manservant. Dolly Wells (“Doll & Em”) who was cast as Celia, Blunt’s senior producer and head writer, with Timm Sharp (“Enlightened”) who was cast as Jim, Blunt’s head writer round out the cast. Actor and comedian Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) recurs as Dr. Weiss, Blunt’s appointed therapist.
Set in Los Angeles, the story follows Walter Blunt, a British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news and the fallout from his well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air.
Through the platform of his nightly cable news show, Blunt is on a mission to impart his wisdom and guidance on how Americans should live, think and behave. Besieged by network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives and children of all ages, Blunt’s only support is the alcoholic manservant he transplanted from the U.K. to join him in Los Angeles.
MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door Productions, Inc. serve as executive producer. Ames, who originated the idea for the series, will also serve as executive producer, writer and showrunner. Tristram Shapeero (“Community”) and Stephanie Davis (“Bored to Death”) will also serve as executive producers with Shapeero also serving as director. Stewart will also serve as producer on the series.
“Blunt Talk” will premiere on STARZ in the summer of 2015 and is greenlit for a two-season, 20-episode commitment.
