The success of ABC’s Modern Family has definitely inspired the networks to step up development of family comedies. Fox – which is about to debut the family-com Raising Hope on Sept. 21 – will try again to launch Outnumbered, a laugher about a trio of kids who run their parents ragged. The project, which is based on a British version of the same name that airs on BBC 1, was first developed by Fox in 2007-08 but didn’t make it to series. At the time, the network described it as offering “Curb Your Enthusiasm-style improvised dialogue with a Malcolm in the Middle-like premise about the triumphs and travails of parenting. The adult actors are scripted, while the children’s dialogue is improvised and off-the-cuff.”
The project is from 20th Century Fox TV, which also produces Modern Family for ABC. A studio spokesman confirmed that Fox ordered a pilot. Though most are ordered around midseason, Fox picked up the pilot for Outnumbered now to get a head start on casting.
Ah, I was wondering when this would get a pick up. But I wonder if the US version will be prepared to convey the fundamental rubbishness of the parents and awfulness of the children (even while both are hilarious). I imagine the trick is going to lie in the child casting on this one. If they get it wrong the whole thing will fall completely flat.
Uh, FOX already had a great odd ball family sitcom and then cancelled it. Arrested Development!
For the win!!!!
I’m English and bought the Arrested Development boxset last year. Why on earth did non of you guys watch it when it was aired!!!??? Fox must be mad!
If its any good, they’ll just cancel it.
it’s going to be hard to compete with modern family – that shoe is nearly flawless
haha show not shoe
Did the British version ever air in the US? I saw it when I was in NZ and LOVED!! it…