Production Starts on Starz Series Blunt Talk, Starring Patrick Stewart

January 28, 2015

The Starz Original series “Blunt Talk” began production this week in Los Angeles on the 10-episode first season of the half-hour scripted comedy series from Media Rights Capital (MRC) and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, Jonathan Ames, Tristram Shapeero and Stephanie Davis. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows Walter Blunt, a British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news and the fallout from his well-intentioned, but mostly misguided decision-making, both on and off the air. The series will premiere on Starz in the summer of 2015.

Through the platform of his nightly interview show, Blunt is on a mission to impart his wisdom and guidance on how Americans should live, think and behave. Besieged by network bosses, a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives and children of all ages, Blunt’s only support is the alcoholic manservant he transplanted from the U.K. to join him in Los Angeles.

The cast is led by Patrick Stewart (“X-Men” franchise, Ted) in the role of Walter Blunt, Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Rosalie, Blunt’s tough and motherly producer-manager and Adrian Scarborough (The King’s Speech) as Harry, Blunt’s manservant. Dolly Wells (“Doll & Em,”) who was cast as Celia, Blunt’s head producer and writer, with Timm Sharp (“Enlightened”) who was cast as Jim, Blunt’s head writer round out the cast. Actor and comedian Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) will recur as Dr. Weiss, Blunt’s appointed therapist.

The series is greenlit for a two-season, 20-episode commitment.

“It was a great first day on the set of ‘Blunt Talk’- Patrick Stewart was noble, loony, and heroic,” said Creator and Executive Producer Jonathan Ames. “And that was before the first shot. Later, in character as Walter Blunt, he was all those things and more.”

MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door Productions, Inc. serve as executive producer. Ames, who originated the idea for the series, will also serve as executive producer, writer and showrunner. Tristram Shapeero (“Community”) and Stephanie Davis (“Bored to Death”) will also serve as executive producers with Shapeero also serving as director. Stewart will also serve as producer on the series.