Ahead of its presentation at the 2023 Amazon NewFront, Amazon Freevee announced a series pickup for a U.S. version of the long-running UK television hit series Mock the Week. Originally created by BAFTA Award-winning executive producers Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), the half-hour comedy program combines the best elements of panel shows, stand-up comedy, and improvised games, with two teams of comedians taking a satirical swipe at current news, pop culture, and world events. Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah (The Daily Show) will executive produce the U.S. series with Patterson. Production on the series will begin in 2024. The host will be announced at a later date.
“Two things I’m most passionate about in life are paying my landlord and making people laugh. We could all use a little bit more laughter as we continue to navigate today’s crazy world,” Trevor Noah, executive producer commented “By bringing Mock the Week to America with the talented Dan Patterson, I’m looking forward to doing just that.”
“After 21 successful seasons on the BBC, we can’t wait to bring the format to the U.S. and work with America’s deep pool of brilliant comedians,” Dan Patterson, executive producer commented.
“For years, Mock the Week delivered a witty spin on the news—entertaining a broad cross-section of the UK audience through funny conversations, one-liners, and improv comedy. In one episode, you can catch up on weekly headlines, hear multiple points of view on a topic, and find your next favorite stand-up comedian,” Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Originals, unscripted, and targeted programming, Amazon Studios commented “We are thrilled to expand our comedic slate on Amazon Freevee, with this much-needed series from Dan Patterson and Trevor Noah, two enormously talented producers with the exceptional ability to marry laughter and learning.”
The U.S. version of Mock the Week will be executive produced by Dan Patterson, Trevor Noah, Mark Leveson, Norman Aladjem, Sanaz Yamin, Derek Van Pelt, and Rob Lee. The series is produced by Angst Productions, Day Zero Productions, Mainstay Entertainment, and Amazon Studios. The UK version of Mock the Week aired new episodes for nearly two decades from 2005-2022. The show and its performers were nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Awards, British Comedy Awards, and National Television Awards.
This release rounds out the list of Amazon Freevee NewFront announcements today including greenlights for Justice on Trial, The GOAT, and Mock the Week, as well as subsequent season pickup announcements for Judy Justice and Bosch: Legacy.
