Though the phenomenon of big name stars finding a home on cable television has lost the shock value it once held, it’s still an event that can make us pause and nod our heads thoughtfully. For a long time, cable has ceased to represent an elephant graveyard where celebrities go in order to disappear into obscurity. Instead it’s a new frontier filled with unlimited possibilities and a chance to break out and try new things, more often minting new stars than retiring old ones.
Take, for example, the newest celebrity to find a home on cable television, Billy Crystal. The legendary comedian is teaming up with Matt Nix (creator of “Burn Notice”) and Larry Charles, who directed “Borat” and episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” to bring to life a new comedy series. The show, called “The Comedians,” has received a pilot order from FX and Larry Charles is expected to direct it. It will center on Billy Crystal’s character, a veteran comedian who is forced to team up with an edgier up and comer in order to work on a late night sketch comedy show. The new show is based on a 2004 Swedish series called “Ulveson and Herngren.” [Deadline]
Meanwhile over on HBO, Jennifer Westfeldt has been added to season three of the “Girls.” HBO has yet to specify what role she will play in the coming season. Westfeldt recently had a turn in “Children’s Hospital” and wrote and directed 2011’s “Friends With Kids.” [The Wrap]
In other cable news, “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Newsroom” have both put out new trailers for their upcoming seasons. “The Boardwalk Empire” teaser is painfully short, but it’s enough to get you ready for more Nucky Thompson. “The Newsroom” teaser is just as short and yet somehow even more understated. You can check them out below.