FX has picked up its acclaimed comedy series “Wilfred” for a third-season order of 13 episodes, it was announced today by Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming for FX. Production of season three begins next spring and is slated to debut in June of 2013.
Additionally, Reed Agnew and Eli Jorné, who served as writer/producers in the first two seasons of “Wilfred,” have been elevated to Executive Producers and Showrunners for the upcoming season. David Zuckerman, who adapted “Wilfred” for American television and has served as Executive Producer and Showrunner for the first two season of the series, will remain on the series as Executive Producer.
“As John (Landgraf) said at the summer TCA, it was only a matter of time before we picked up the show, we just had to work some things out,” said Grad. “David Zuckerman has done an amazing job adapting and reconceiving ‘Wilfred’ for FX. It was his decision to step down from the Showrunner’s post, but we’re very happy he is going to stay involved with the show. Both we and David have great faith in the ability of Reed and Eli to seamlessly step up and take over the reins. I have no doubt they’ll do a great job.”
“Wilfred” is a half-hour, live-action comedy about Ryan, a young man struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with “Wilfred,” his neighbor’s canine pet. Everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, but Ryan sees a crude and somewhat surly, yet irrepressibly brave and honest Australian bloke in a cheap dog suit. While leading him through a series of comedic and existential adventures, Wilfred the dog shows Ryan the man how to overcome his fears and joyfully embrace the unpredictability and insanity of the world around him.
Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings,” Happy Feet) stars as Ryan, and Jason Gann, who co-created and starred in the Australian series, plays the title character Wilfred. Series regulars also include Fiona Gubelmann as Jenna, Ryan’s beautiful neighbor and Wilfred’s owner, and Dorian Brown as Kristen, Ryan’s sister.
“Wilfred” is based on the critically acclaimed Australian series of the same title and was originally adapted for FX by David Zuckerman (“Family Guy,” “American Dad,” “King of the Hill”). Zuckerman serves as Executive Producer along with Jason Gann, Reed Agnew, Eli Jorné, Rich Frank, and Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park, Randall Einhorn, and Joe Connor and Ken Connor of Renegade, producers of the Australian version of the series. Einhorn also serves as director. “Wilfred” is produced by FX Productions.