Brady
The N is getting into the original comedy business.
Nickelodeon Networks' nighttime network for teens has struck an overall development deal with Wayne Brady to develop and produce comedy projects, and separately has acquired all 113 episodes of the UPN laffer "One on One."
Brady will first exec produce the cabler's original comedy project "The Brandon T. Jackson Show," a half-hour special starring 20-year-old Jackson ("Roll Bounce") in comedic sketches, with appearances by Brady, Chris Brown, Sinbad and Nelly Furtado.
Spec debuts at 9 p.m. Nov. 24.
Essie Chambers, vice president of development for the N, said the pact with Brady repped an "absolute commitment to comedy," and added the cabler was in the process of locking down similar deals with other big-name talent in the comedy arena.
"Wayne is a brilliant creator and writer. He gets our teen audience in a way that is surprising for an adult," Chambers said. "Because he understands what works for teenagers, we thought he'd be perfect to pair with an emerging comic like Brandon."
Brady and Jackson co-wrote the sketches, which send up pop culture and political icons. Brady also will develop his own programming ideas for the network.
"We wanted to let Brandon drive the show, since it's his take and his comedy. But we also wanted to team him up with an experienced leader," Chambers said. "We're treating the show like a pilot. It was just too good of an opportunity not to air with all the amazing talent involved."
"Roll Bounce" producers Robert Teitel and George Tillman Jr. also executive produce "Brandon."
Meanwhile, the N will bow "One on One" Oct. 27 as part of its "Fresh One Weekend," a marathon of the best episodes of "One on One" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Skein, from CBS TV Distribution Group, stars Flex Alexander ("Homeboys in Outer Space") as a sportscaster who suddenly must take on raising his 14-year-old daughter (Kyla Pratt).
Skein joins the N's growing roster of sitcoms that includes "Moesha," "Sabrina" and "Clueless."
Brady recently wrapped indie pic "I'm Perfect" and romantic comedy "Crossover" starring Anthony Mackie and Sydney Tamiia Poitier.
Jackson has performed his standup at Showtime at the Apollo and BET's "Comic View." He next appears in "Big Stan" opposite Rob Schneider.
Digital cabler the N is available in 52 million homes.
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