The Inspired Unemployed, a duo of digital first Australian comedians, have been commissioned to make a TV series for Paramount in Australia and New Zealand. The eight-parter will be produced by Warner Bros. International TV Production Australia.
Jack Steele and Matt Ford, the creators behind The Inspired Unemployed, have amassed 3.8 million followers on social media with their raucous brand of sketch comedy. In the latest sign that the traditional TV industry is turning to fresh talent from Australian digital comedy duo, The Inspired Unemployed will feature in the new show alongside guest talent.
Daniel Monaghan, SVP content and programming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand said: “The Inspired Unemployed have a huge following with a unique knack for making people sit up, take notice and laugh. Paramount ANZ is delighted to be their first ‘TV home’ when Jack and Matt will have audiences in stitches with this surprising series. We can’t wait for audiences to watch the show later this year.”
Following the success of Australian digital comedy duo, The Inspired Unemployed, it seems that more traditional TV networks are looking to collaborate with digital creators for fresh and exciting content.
Steele and Ford jointly said: “We are so stoked to be working with Paramount ANZ on this TV show; from the first video we ever made our goal was to always have a TV show and for it to actually be happening is a dream come true.”
Michael Brooks, managing director of WBITP Australia and head of studios Australia and New Zealand said: “Jack and Matt from The Inspired Unemployed are internet sensations with a natural chemistry that can only come from years of working together. We have the perfect format for their first foray into television and look forward to sharing more hilarious moments with fans across the country later this year.”
Indicating that the mining of digital first talent is a global strategy, Paramount+ in Germany is poised to launch an original scripted series called Kohlrabenschwarz, based on a podcast from Tommy Krappweis and Christian von Aster. The series follows a former police psychologist who comes out of retirement after he discovers a connection between a series of atrocities in the shadow of the Alps.
