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The ´óÏó´«Ã½, Hat Trick Productions and Showtime announced today the commission of Episodes, a six-part series from the highly acclaimed writing partnership of David Crane (Friends) and Jeffrey Klarik (Mad About You), for transmission next year on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two.

Episodes is the story of a British couple who try to recreate their UK comedy hit for American TV with disastrous results, and features Matt LeBlanc playing himself.

Jimmy Mulville of Hat Trick Productions comments: "These are some of the best scripts I've read in a long time by two writers at the top of their game. To have the opportunity to make a show with David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, with Matt LeBlanc playing a hilarious version of himself, and then to make that show for both Showtime and the ´óÏó´«Ã½, whose combined portfolios of comedy are second to none, is both a thrill and a great privilege. Episodes promises to be one of the great comedy treats for 2010."

The series was commissioned by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Comedy and Janice Hadlow, Controller of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, who says: "I'm delighted that Matt LeBlanc will be starring in an original comedy for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, and to be working with Showtime and Hat Trick on such a unique format."

Matt LeBlanc adds: "Jeffrey and David have a great idea – I love it. I am really excited to be working with Showtime and the ´óÏó´«Ã½. And I am also so glad I got the part; seeing someone else playing Matt LeBlanc would have been devastating."

The series will be produced by David Crane, Jeffrey Klarik and Jimmy Mulville with Simon Wilson as executive producer for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

Episodes will shoot next year in London and Los Angeles for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two and Showtime.

AN