From a media release:
Gas Leads to Hiccups: CTV Orders New Comedy Pilot From Brent Butt
- Brent Butt returns to helm his latest project as creator, writer and executive producer
- Corner Gas co-star Nancy Robertson stars in new comedy pilot
With production just wrapped on the sixth and final season of Corner Gas (premiering Oct. 13), CTV and The Comedy Network announced today that it has commissioned a pilot for a new scripted half-hour original comedy series from Brent Butt. The star, creator and executive producer of Canada’s No. 1 comedy series, Butt moves behind-the-scenes to helm his latest project, Hiccups, which begins shooting in Vancouver later this month. The pilot episode stars the hilarious Nancy Robertson, who plays Wanda Dollard on Corner Gas.
In Hiccups, Robertson plays Millie Upton, a children’s author with anger issues. Her emotional quirks contribute to her success as an author, but make living in the real world with actual people a bit of a challenge. Though she’s generally an upbeat and happy person, Millie often experiences “hiccups” – raging episodes, fits of depression or euphoric highs – at the drop of a hat. After finally being convinced that she needs help, Millie impulsively enlists the aid of a life coach, Stan Dirko. It’s just unfortunate that Stan has no training or credentials. Millie and Stan are like the lost leading the lost, with the best of intentions, and little success.
“There’s no rest for the hilarious,” said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. “We wanted to make sure Brent got right back to work. Fan-favourite Nancy Robertson promises to sparkle as Millie Upton. We can’t wait to see what these two come up with.”
“It’s hugely satisfying to continue my relationship with CTV and The Comedy Network,” said Butt. “The past six years have been like some kind of dream, so I am thrilled to get the opportunity to create something new.”
The pilot for Hiccups is produced by Sparrow Media in association with CTV and The Comedy Network. Brent Butt is creator, writer, show runner and executive producer. Executive producers are Laura Lightbown (DaVinci’s Inquest, Intelligence) and David Storey (Corner Gas); Storey also directs the pilot.
