FX Orders Zach Galifianakis, Louis C.K. Clown Comedy to Series

Zach Galifianakis is heading to clown school.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, FX has picked up BASKETS, co-written by Galifianakis, Louis C.K., Jonathan Krisel for for a 10-episode season to premiere in 2016.

The show "follows Bakersfield man Chip Baskets (Galifianakis) as he pursues his dream, against all odds, to be a respected clown only there's a catch. After an unsuccessful enrollment at a prestigious clowning school in Paris, the only job he can find is with the local rodeo. "

"To say Zach's portrayal of the lead character Chip Baskets is hilarious/unique/riveting/fascinating would be an understatement," Eric Schrierm, FX president of original programming, said. "We can't wait for the world to meet him."

Galifianakis serves as Executive Producer. Louis C.K., Blair Breard and Dave Becky are Executive Producers, along with Andrea Pett-Joseph and Marc Gurvitz.

Galifianakis is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners. C.K. is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment. Breard is represented by UTA.

FX Productions has 12 comedy pilots currently in production.

FX Networks, a business unit of 21 Century Fox, is comprised of FX, FXM, and its newest channel, FXX, which launched on September 2, 2013. Launched in June of 1994, FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable channel, which is carried in more than 97 million homes. Its diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically-acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas, including Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans and The Bridge; the miniseries American Horror Story; and the acclaimed hit comedy series Louie, Archer, Wilfred and Chozen. In 2014, FX will launch two new drama series, The Strain and Tyrant, as well as the limited series Fargo. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any commercial television network. FX's roster of acquired hit series includes Two and a Half Men, Anger Management and, coming in 2014, Mike & Molly. FXM (formerly FOXMovie Channel) was launched in October of 1994 and is now carried in more than 49 million homes. Its schedule features classic films during the day, and contemporary box office hits and acclaimed, award-winning films in the evening, as well as short-form award-winning original programming. FXX launched on September 2, 2013 in 72 million homes with a schedule that features original series, movies, and acquired series. The channel is anchored by the acclaimed hit comedies It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Legit, and FXX's newest comedy, Ali G: Rezurection, which will begin airing in February 2014. Over the next several years, FX, FXX and FXM will undergo an ambitious programming expansion, with the three networks combining to deliver more than 25 original scripted series.

Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/ Retna

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