ABC is aggressively going after new content apparently in hopes of regaining their status as one of the top tier networks after recently falling to fifth position in the ratings. Recent reports say there may be something for fans of comedy sitcoms and NBA basketball to take note of. ABC has committed to the development of a show about an NBA player who can’t speak english and his quirky translator who knows nothing about basketball. They want us to think ‘Perfect Strangers’ but with an NBA basketball backdrop. Hi-jinx will obviously ensue….
The other is a yet-untitled comedy created in partnership with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors (Synergy!). As we’ve previously reported, it’s about an NBA rookie who speaks no English and a translator who doesn’t understand basketball, following in the footsteps of so many sports-themed sitcoms about characters who don’t speak English. (via AVClub.com)
Earlier in December 2014 AVClub.com also reported about ABC green lighting the creation of the pilot. Here is what they had to say back then about the idea for the show:
Set in the jumpin’ and dribblin’ world of the National Basketball Association, the series will focus on a hotshot NBA player who doesn’t speak English and “a translator who doesn’t speak basketball.” Fogelman is quoted as saying “it’s basically the international Odd Couple set in the NBA,” though we’d argue that it sounds more like Perfect Strangers set in the NBA, but whatever. Also, as indicated by the number of times we’ve said “NBA” in this paragraph, the series is being made with its full support, which means ABC and Fogelman will be able to use real players and team names.
Still no word on who will be playing the NBA player in the lead role. My guess is you’re not going to get many pro players leaving their craft to pursue acting in a sitcom, but they might have targeted a former player who never got drafted. Or if they are lucky maybe they can find an actor like Jaleel White (aka Steve Urkel) with some basketball skills.
Although I don’t have high hopes for the show’s success, I’m willing to keep an open mind and am sure to tune in. Hearing that the NBA is on board certainly won’t hurt the show’s chances. The show is expected to air in the Fall of 2015 if it survives the final audience testing.
