The slate of upcoming productions at Netflix just got a little more exciting, with the news that the streaming channel has acquired a new series from fan favourite Will Arnett. Described as “serio-comic” in nature, the 8 episode first season of Flaked is planned to debut in 2016, with Arnett in the lead role. The star is also co-writing the show with Mark Chappell (The Increasingly Poor Decisions Of Todd Margaret), and executive producing alongside Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development), Ben Silverman (The Office) and Peter Principato (Black-ish).
The synopsis suggests a plot that will provide an ample showcase for Will Arnett’s particular skill-set:
“Set in the insular world of Venice, California, Flaked is the serio-comedy story of a self-appointed “guru” who falls for the object of his best friend’s fascination. Soon, the tangled web of half-truths and semi-bullsh*t that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. Arnett plays Chip, a man doing his honest best to stay one step ahead of his own lies.”
The acquisition was announced in a press release from Netflix, which reads as follows:
“Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, has ordered Flaked, a new comedy series starring Will Arnett. Eight episodes of the series will premiere exclusively across all Netflix territories in 2016.
“’We are thrilled to be the home of Will Arnett’s next series, and look forward to Chip joining his repertoire alongside such diverse and inspirational characters such as Gob, Bojack and Batman,’ said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix.
“’We’re very excited to partner with Netflix – the home of original, original content – and the network I knew would be the ideal home for this passion project,’ said Will Arnett.
“’Netflix is driving the golden age of television with its content and we are proud to be part of their family with Flaked. Will Arnett, Mitch Hurwitz, Mark Chappell and Peter Principato are brilliant collaborators and friends,’ said Ben Silverman.
“Executive producers Will Arnett and Mark Chappell (The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Maragaret) co-created and co-wrote the series. Ben Silverman (Founder and Chairman of Electus), Peter Principato and Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development) also serve as executive producers on the show. Electus and Principato-Young are providing production services. Flaked is a Netflix production.
“Will Arnett, a five-time Emmy Award nominee, also stars in Netflix’s Bojack Horseman and Arrested Development. Arnett recently starred in the blockbuster films Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Lego Movie.”
Will Arnett has enjoyed great success in collaborating with Netflix over the past few years. The streaming channel seems to be a great fit for his unique style and excellent humour, so Flaked is definitely a project to pay attention to. The announcement of the wider casting will be fascinating when it happens, as Arnett is especially deft at ensemble work. Who will play the best friend, and the “object of his best friend’s fascination”? It may be some time before we find out, so we’ll just wait here, on the edge of our seat.
