Fox orders US remake of UK docu-com ‘This Country’

US network Fox has made its first new series commitment for the 2021-22 season with the acquisition of UK docu-com This Country.

Based on the BBC comedy created by Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, the series is being written by Jenny Bicks (Sex And The City) and directed by Paul Feig (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist). It is being co-produced by Lionsgate, BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm, Fox Entertainment and Feigco Entertainment.

The half-hour series follows a documentary crew which goes to a small town to study young adults and their current concerns, focusing on the daily lives of cousins Kelly (Chelsea Holmes) and Shrub Mallet (Sam Straley) and their idiosyncratic surroundings. The series also stars Seann William Scott, Aya Cash and Taylor Ortega.

“Fueled by Jenny and Paul’s imaginative wit and distinct comedic voices, we knew This Country was a special project from the moment we heard their pitch,” said Michael Thorn, Fox Entertainment’s president of entertainment.

“As we curate Fox’s comedy brand, it is important to align ourselves with pedigree talent and dynamic partners with proven track records. In Jenny, Paul, Lionsgate and BBC Studios, we have the perfect team to help us do just that.”

“Jenny and I are so excited to bring this amazing series to the American public,” added Feig. “We have assembled a cast of comedic superstars who have taken the hilarious groundwork laid by Daisy and Charlie Cooper and made it their own.”

This Country is being executive produced by Bicks, Feig, BBC Studios’ Angie Stephenson and original creators Charlie and Daisy May Cooper.  Feigco’s Dan Magnante is co-executive producing, while Cathy Mason and Rachel Mason produce. The project comes as part of Bicks and Feig’s overall deals with Lionsgate Television, and the BBC Studios Los Angeles production arm and Lionsgate co-production partnership.