Canwest picks up Pure Pwnage web series for TV

Showcase, the specialty channel owned by Canadian media group Canwest, is launching a TV version of hit web series Pure Pwnage (pronounced ‘Pure Ownage’). The show, about a dysfunctional Canadian gamer, has proved a big hit online, claiming three million viewers, and Showcase will screen a full-fledged half-hour comedy series based on the series starting next year.

“The site has a fanatical following and Showcase viewers are going to love these hilarious and eccentric characters,” said Christine Shipton, senir VP, dramatic and factual content at Canwest Broadcasting.

“We’ve enjoyed amazing success on the Internet and are very excited to bring our popular TV characters to the TV platform,” said Jarrett Cale, the show’s star and co-creator. His writing partner Geoff Lapaire said: “We are honoured to be the first in Canada to bring gaming and Internet satire to television.”

The web series was made by Cale and Lapaire’s ROFLMAO Productions and the pair will write the TV show with Derek Harvey (Testees, The Tom Green Show) the showrunner.