Netflix orders Michael Eisner adult toon comedy

Netflix has commissioned former Disney boss Michael Eisner’s prodco to create an adult-themed animated series about a disillusioned whiskey drinking horse.

BoJack Horseman features Arrested Development’s Will Arnett as a washed up 1990s humanoid horse TV star, BoJack, once huge through fictional family sitcom Horsin’ Around. The 12-part series also stars Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) as BoJack’s human best friend.

Eisner’s Tornante Company is attached to produce the show, which launches on globally Netflix in mid-2014, when viewers can “chart [BoJack’s] progress in excruciatingly real time”. LA-based ShadowMachine coproduces.

“As a studio executive involved in successful sitcoms like Happy Days, Barney Miller and Cheers, I always regretted BoJack wasn’t on my team,” said Eisner. “But now, with Tornante in the saddle, BoJack is exactly where he belongs, in full creative control, and on Netflix.”

The show comes from Raphael Bob-Waksberg, who executive produces with Steven A. Cohen, Noel Bright, Paul and Arnett. Graphic artist Lisa Hanawalt designed the concept.

“Even though he’s been out to pasture, I’ve always admired BoJack for his inimitable style and can-do attitude,” said Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s getting off his legendary haunches to join the internet TV revolution here on Netflix.”

Eisner was CEO and chairman of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2005.