*Writer-producer Lance Crouther, better known by his most famous character Pootie Tang, has developed a new single-camera comedy “Praying on People,” which pokes fun at gospel clichés in the vein of Tyler Perry, reports Variety.
The half-hour show revolves around a successful standup comic who, after a breakdown, decides to leave showbiz and return to his inner-city neighborhood to find God. The lead character’s brother just so happens to be a preacher.
The series is currently being shopped by “Gilmore Girls” star Lauren Graham, who just inked a deal with Warner Bros. TV (WBTV) to house her own production company, Good Game Entertainment.
"It's an important season for us," said Good Game VP Kathy Ebel, who oversees development and day-to-day operations. The company’s deal with WBTV, which began in 2003, runs as long as "Gilmore Girls" is on the air, reports Variety.
"We're really focused on finding smart dramas and comedies, as well as ideas that can live on new-media platforms," Ebel said.
Should “Praying on People” land a network, Graham and Ebel will serve as the show’s executive producers. Ebel described the show as an "affectionate but sharply drawn parody. Like 'My Name Is Earl' or 'King of the Hill,' this project is a loving skewering of its subjects."
Crouther, whose credits include writing for "The Chris Rock Show" and "Wanda at Large" and playing the lead role in "Pootie Tang," is developing the concept with producers Richard Perello and Peter E. Lengyel ("Beerfest").