Portfolio: Comedy Central Greenlights Sudeikis-Backed Comedy 'Detroiters'

Originally Published on BestComedyTickets.com – October 22, 2015

Editor's Note: This piece was originally written for BestComedyTickets, where the goal was to generate traction through the comedy sphere and drive attention to their site. At the time, I was a young comic trying to find my voice in the scene. Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson were already making waves in sketch comedy, and I genuinely admired their work. I wasn’t just writing a news brief — I wanted to shine a light on sketch comedians I respected and looked up to, hoping more people would see what made them great.

Detroiters (Sam Richardson & Tim Robinson)

Comedy Central has officially greenlit Detroiters, a new comedy series executive produced by SNL alum Jason Sudeikis and legendary producer Lorne Michaels. The network has ordered a 10-episode run of the show, which stars Saturday Night Live writer Tim Robinson and Veep’s Sam Richardson as two Detroit natives and amateur ad men trying to revive their beloved city.

Robinson and Richardson, both hailing from the Detroit area, first performed together at Chicago’s Second City. Their comedic chemistry is at the heart of Detroiters, which they also co-created, co-wrote, and executive produce alongside Joe Kelly and Zach Kanin.

Richardson, best known for his role as Richard Splett on HBO’s Veep (a role he was promoted to series regular for in Season 4), is expected to continue his run on that show while working on Detroiters. In addition to Veep, his résumé includes appearances on Drunk History, The Office, and Arrested Development. He’s also slated to appear in the upcoming Ghostbusters reboot.

Robinson, meanwhile, has made guest appearances on IFC’s Documentary Now! and Comedy Bang! Bang!, and continues to make waves as a writer and performer.

Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video continues to expand its cable comedy footprint, with Detroiters joining a lineup that includes Portlandia and Documentary Now! (IFC), Man Seeking Woman (FX), and the then-upcoming Brothers in Atlanta (HBO).

With a stacked team behind and in front of the camera, Detroiters looked to bring authenticity, heart, and a lot of laughs to Comedy Central.