FX Orders THE COMEDIANS Pilot Starring Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is nearing a deal to return to television.

According to Deadline, the legendary comedic actor's new series THE COMEDIANS from Matt Nix (BURN NOTICE) and Larry Charles (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM), has been picked up by FX, and promptly given a series order. Crystal co-wrote with Charles and Ben Wexler (COMMUNITY) and also executive produce.

In the documentary-format series, based upon Sweden's ULVESON AND HERNGREN, "Crystal plays a superstar veteran comedian who is reluctantly paired with a younger, edgier comedian for a late-night comedy sketch show."

For the original report, head on over to Deadline.

Crystal won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for 700 Sundays, a two-act, one-man play, which he conceived and wrote about his parents and his childhood growing up on Long Island.

The comedian hosted The Academy Awards broadcast in 1990-1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2004 and 2012. His nine times as the M.C. is second only to Bob Hope's 18 in most ceremonies hosted. Crystal was a cast member of Saturday Night Live. His film's include When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, and most recently, Parental Guidance, opposite Bette Middler. He can next be heard in the prequel to Monsters, Inc., Mosters University.