Showtime takes Jim Carrey drama to series

US premium channel Showtime has taken Jim Carrey’s stand-up-themed scripted drama I’m Dying Up Here to series.

The one-hour drama, which is set in the celebrated LA stand-up circuit of the 1970s, had previously been ordered as a pilot.

The show follows up and coming comedians who are mentored by a brassy but nurturing club owner who rules with an iron fist. It stars Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Ari Graynor (For a Good Time Call), Clark Duke (Hot Tub Time Machine) and Michael Angarano (The Knick) among others, in a large ensemble cast.

Comedy legend Carrey executive produces the project alongside writer Dave Flebotte (Masters of Sex), Michael Aguilar (The Departed) and Christina Wayne (Copper).

Endemol Shine Studios and Wayne’s Assembly Entertainment are coproducing for Showtime, with shooting set to begin in LA this coming autumn.

The project is based on a non-fiction book of the same name from William Knoedelseder.

Meanwhile, Showtime has made its buzzy Wall Street drama Billions available on VOD platforms. This comes ahead of its linear debut on January 17. CraveTV in Canada also launched the debut episode early following its content agreement with Showtime last year.

The debut episode of seventh season of Shameless will also be made available on YouTube, Facebook, SHO.com, iTunes, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, Amazon Prime, and Showtime Anytime.