A resounding “Huzzah!” should bellow through the halls of your community college’s library: Dan Harmon is back in the TV game. Just two months after losing his job as Community‘s showrunner (try not to cry, people… I know, it’s tough), Harmon is reported by TV Guide to be pursuing a deal to create a new multi-camera comedy for the Fox network. So, as you might be saying right about now, What?
Yes, this news’ intrigue is overshadowed only by its oddness. None of these things go together. In fact, when Hollywood.com’s staff first heard the story, we let out such a pointed array of inquisitive exclamations that we figured it’d be unfair not to share them with our adoring public. That’s you. You’re our public. Adore us.
So, without further ado: everything we literally shouted out loud in confusion upon hearing about Dan Harmon getting a multi-camera Fox sitcom.
Already?!
Harmon was fired from his Community position (no… more… crying) just two months prior to this announcement. In that time, he’s involved himself in a highly interesting collaboration with Charlie Kaufman, has turned the lights on an animated series for Adult Swim, and has done a whole lot of tweeting. But a season hasn’t yet passed, and he’s already back behind the wheel of a live-action TV program.
It’s on Fox?!
Yes, Fox’s reputation for quality comedy was kicked up by the lovable New Girl, but experimental programming is not really this network’s forte. But maybe Fox is looking toward new avenues: more creative forces breeding more imaginative ideas.
It’s a multi-camera show?!
Perhaps the biggest What the?! comes attached to the idea that Harmon, an individual synonymous with innovation to those who know his work, is the fact that he’s headlining a multi-camera series. The format has been reserved pretty rigidly for traditional sitcoms: the Everybody Loves Raymond variety. Stuff far below Harmon’s reach. Is he finding a new, interesting way to explore the facets of what makes good character and storytelling, or is he just vying for a simpler show this time?
Someone wants to work with him?!
Let’s get this one straight: Dan Harmon is a genius. He’s an important artist who made the best comedy series in the past decade. And I’d bet, a genuinely good guy. But he also has a reputation. He had notorious problems with cast member Chevy Chase (another genius with a reputation), and with his old network NBC, which is what contributed to his firing (okay, you can cry a little). So, it is a bit surprising to hear that he has commanded a new troupe not intimidated by this history.
REALLY?!
Yes, really.
Okay… well, awesome!
We know, right?
[Photo Credit: NBC]
More:
Dan Harmon Talks ‘Community’ Firing with Marc Maron — VIDEO
Dan Harmon and Charlie Kaufman Making the Best (and Most Self-Referential) Movie Ever
