TBI Scripted Hot Picks: Grimsburg

Producer: Bento Box Entertainment | Distributor: Fox Entertainment Global | Broadcaster: Fox (US)

Coming straight out of the gate with an early season two renewal, this new adult animation stars and is executive produced by Mad Men actor Jon Hamm.

He voices Marvin Flute, who may be the greatest detective ever to catch a cannibal clown and correctly identify a mid-century modern armoire.

However, there’s one mystery he still can’t crack – himself. To do that he must return to Grimsburg, a town where everyone has a secret or three, and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellow detectives, his ferocious ex-wife and his lovably unstable son.

“Grimsburg originated as spec script written by two film school professors at Loyola Marymount University here in Los Angeles. It was sent to us by executive producer Gail Berman. The premise was a true-crime comedy set against a Nordic noir backdrop – two things you normally don’t associate with animation,” reveals Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming at Fox Entertainment.

“The script was very funny and its heightened animated setting is something that fits right into our brand. Think Twin Peaks meets Lilyhammer meets Animation Domination.

“We brought in Chadd Gindin, whose credits include The Cleveland Show and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, to evolve the series and show run. But it wasn’t until Jon Hamm came on board to voice Marvin Flute when it all came together. His performance is so hilarious and adds the additional layers of neurosis that makes this character so special.”

Thorn explains that the writers use crime, mystery and horror to satirise pop culture, politics and the world around us. The array of bizarre crimes that Flute faces are ripped from the real world, but with a twisted, comedic re-interpretation.