Pop & Lionsgate Start Production on Original Scripted Comedy TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP, Starring Ali Wentworth

Jimmy, Jimmy, James, John, Samantha, Stephen, Seth, Conan, Chelsea, Carson, Chris, Larry, Trevor, Andy, Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my. This month, Pop and Lionsgate Television will start production on TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP (working title), a 10-episode, original scripted comedy series featuring the hilarity that ensues behind-the-scenes of a fictitious late night talk show, entitled "The Nightcap With Jimmy."

Starring Ali Wentworth ("In Living Color," "Head Case," "It's Complicated," "Office Space") and produced by Lionsgate Television (Golden Globe-nominated "Orange is the New Black" and "Casual," "Nashville," "The Royals," and "Mad Men"), TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP is an edgy, over-the-top, single camera, culture-commentary comedy that will feature a mixed cast of improvisational actors and real-life celebrities. Each half-hour episode covers the hectic 22 minutes prior to a live airing of a late night talk show, which are fraught with insanity, urgency, absurdity, laughter and lip-sync rehearsals. Besides starring as a producer on the fictitious late night show, Wentworth also serves as an executive producer on the new Pop series.

"It's been a lifelong dream to portray the true UNSUNG hero of late night television, the talent booker! I apologize to all the Hollywood talent bookers who told me their celeb secrets off the record that I will now exploit for money," remarked Wentworth.

"In the spirit of great workplace comedies in the world of broadcasting - from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' to '30 Rock' - we are excited to take viewers into TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP," said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group Chairman. "Starring Ali Wentworth, we know that this series will have a smart, irreverent voice and reflect Lionsgate's original, noisy and provocative signature brand of programming."

"We are in another golden age of late night television with a new guard of buzz-making, digital-innovating, comedic talk show hosts that are driving fandom and the social conversation," said Paul Adler, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Development, Pop. "TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP taps into this cultural phenomenon, while Ali's comedic spirit and New York social scene connections will pave the way for an entertaining comedy that is sharp-witted, celebrity-fueled and engaging."

Following the success of Pop's first original scripted comedy "Schitt's Creek," which debuted to critical acclaim and was recently named one of the best new TV shows of 2015 by the Los Angeles Times, the network's addition of TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP is Pop's second major programming move in scripted television. Production is scheduled to kick-off later this month in New York City.

TRACI FROM NIGHTCAP is produced by Lionsgate Television, Dakota Pictures and Trout the Dog Productions. Wentworth, Tom Brunelle ("Chelsea Lately," "After Lately") and Brad Wollack ("Chelsea Lately," "After Lately") of Free 90 Media, Troy Miller (Lionsgate Television's "Deadbeat," "Flight of the Conchords"), and Lydia Tenaglia, Chris Collins and Craig Shepherd of Zero Point Zero Production serve as Executive Producers.

Ali Wentworth is an actress, best-selling author, comedienne and producer. Most recently, Wentworth was the Co-Creator, Star and Co-Executive Producer of Starz Network's "Head Case." Wentworth's television stints have also included on-air correspondent work for "The Oprah Winfrey Show," host of "Living it Up! with Ali & Jack," and a series regular on "In Living Color." In film, Wentworth starred in "It's Complicated" and "Office Space." She is the author of several books, including The WASP Cookbook and Ali in Wonderland. A Washington, D.C. native, Ali is the daughter of a political journalist and former First Lady Nancy Reagan's social secretary. She lives in Manhattan with her husband George Stephanopoulos and their two daughters. Wentworth is represented by ICM Partners and Attorney Adam Kaller.

Brunelle and Wollack previously served as executive producers and writers on the talk/sketch comedy series, "Chelsea Lately," since its 2006 debut. Brunelle and Wollack also co-created and executive produced the scripted "Chelsea Lately" companion series "After Lately." Brunelle and Wollack also served as Executive Producers on "Hello, Ross" for E!

Meanwhile, Miller previously served as executive producer on a variety of television series and TV movies, including Hulu and Lionsgate Television's "Deadbeat," "Flight of the Conchords," "Brand X with Russell Brand" and "Arrested Development"; films, including "Jack Frost"; and specials, including "The 83rd Annual Academy Awards" and "Bill Maher: Live from D.C." He's also directed multiple episodes of his executive produced series, along with episodes of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "The Goldbergs" and "Parks and Recreation," and "The Office."

ABOUT POP

Fans don't sit at the outskirts of pop culture making snarky comments. They live right smack in the middle of it, sharing, creating and connecting their passions with others. At Pop, fans finally have a destination that celebrates the fun of being a fan. Fans aren't even fans anymore - they're gladiators, tributes, human beings and blockheads. Seen in more than 80 million homes, Pop gives fans a dedicated channel that loves being a fan as much as they do. A channel that respects talent over celebrity. A channel filled with optimism, passion, humor and excitement. A channel that understands the fun doesn't stop when the credits roll... it's really just the beginning.

Pop is a joint venture of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). The partnership combines CBS's programming, production and marketing assets with Lionsgate's resources in motion pictures, television and digitally delivered content. Pop's ownership structure is comprised of the company with the #1 broadcast network and many of the top first-run Syndication series ("Entertainment Tonight," "The Insider") and the studio that produces and distributes the blockbuster "Hunger Games," "Twilight" and "Divergent" franchises and produces such award-winning TV series as "Mad Men" and "Orange is the New Black."

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