HBO, the network behind the groundbreaking comedy 1st & Ten has gotten back into the original programming game by ordering nine episodes of a Mike White-created Laura Dern vehicle about a self-destructive young woman who turns her life around after a revelatory experience in a treatment center.
The Hollywood Report article quotes White as enthusing: "I'm stoked to finally party with HBO. I feel lucky to have been given this opportunity to make something original, heartfelt and weird." Bromeister, we're all stoked that you're finally partying with HBO. But watch out. That kind of irrational exuberance can lead to all kinds of problems.
White can be a little hit or miss but he has a strong authorial voice and he's scored an ace supporting cast that includes Luke Wilson and Diane Ladd, Dern's real-life mother.
It remains to be seen whether HBO audiences will embrace a show that doesn't feature top talent like O.J Simpson, Delta Burke, Fran Tarkenton and Shannon Tweed or a glamorous, exciting setting like the raunchy world of pro football yet we remain, as always, cautiously optimistic.