Nellie Andreeva

FX had long been talking about getting into late-night, now the cable network is doing it with an unscripted comedy series starring British actor/comedian Russell Brand. The untitled six-episode, half-hour series will premiere in the spring. The concept is still being tweaked but the taped show will feature Brand on stage in front of live audience, making commentary on a variety of topics from current events, politics and pop culture and interacting with audience members. “We’re very excited to add Russell Brand’s bracingly funny, original, and honest voice to the FX comedy line-up,” said FX’s EVP original programming Nick Grad.  “We look forward to supporting Russell and his partner Troy Miller’s ambition to strip down the hosted comedy format to its most fundamental elements and to create something daring and unfiltered for the FX audience.” This is one of 2 major TV deals for Brand today, along with a presentation/script order from Fox for an animated comedy.

The FX series is produced by FX Prods. in association with Brand’s Branded Films and Dakota Films. Executive producers are Brand, Troy Miller, and Nik Linnen, with Miller serving as director of the series. “I am so excited I’m on the point of climax, in fact I will put the “O” into FX, which spells FOX, which is actually the channel’s real name,” said Brand. “That’s the only thing that worries me about all this to be honest. At least I’ll be able to have a Christmas drink with Bill O’Reilly.”

FX’s only late-night effort to date was also with a stand-up comedian, Louis C.K. whose comedy series aired its first season at 11 PM. On the big screen, Brand, best known for his role as rocker Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and spinoff Get Him to the Greek, will soon be seen in Rock of Ages.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.