Seth MacFarlane and Patrick Stewart are teaming up for a new live-action television series called Blunt Talk for Starz, based on an idea from Bored to Death creator Jonathan Ames. The network has commissioned a two-season 20-episode order for the comedy. Unfortunately, the series won't involve Patrick Stewart lighting up, however the premise still sounds kind of awesome.
Blunt Talk is a character-driven comedy revolving around Walter Blunt (Patrick Stewart), a British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news. Through the platform of his nightly interview show, Blunt is on a mission to impart his wisdom and guidance on how Americans should live, think and behave. Besieged by network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives and children of all ages, Blunt’s only support is the alcoholic manservant he transplanted from the UK to join him in Los Angeles. The series follows the fallout from Blunt’s well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air.
Patrick Stewart has voiced characters in Seth MacFarlane's Family Guy and American Dad, and was also the narrator in TED. Stewart had this to say about his new character and television series.
My career took an abrupt and radical left turn when Seth McFarlane created CIA Deputy Director Avery Bullock on American Dad. This new character, Walter Blunt, is not at all like Avery, thank God, because this is live action and I am a Knight of the Realm. Blunt is, however, much smarter than Avery and has his own TV show, which has to be better than being Deputy Director of the CIA.
Starz CEO Chris Albrecht also had a few comments on his network's new TV series.
In the character of Walter Blunt, Seth, Jonathan and Patrick have found the alchemy that makes a borderline alcoholic, mad-genius-Brit the man you want fighting in America’s corner. Seth and Jonathan have struck the right balance between biting wit and outright absurdity in building this world, and we cannot wait for Patrick to breathe life into Walter.
Seth MacFarlane projects can be very hit-or-miss in my opinion, but Blunt Talk sounds fantastic, and I can't wait to see who they cast to play the alcoholic manservant. Patrick Stewart is a very funny dude, and I'm excited he'll be able to show off his comedic skills in Starz's new series.
You'll be able to see both Seth MacFarlane and Patrick Stewart on the big screen next month: Stewart's X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST opens on May 23rd, and MacFarlane's A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST will be in theaters on May 30th.