Ed Helms and Randall Park are teaming for a hybrid scripted and unscripted series at NBC that recounts — and re-enacts — unbelievable true stories.
The show, titled True Story, will feature the two actors and comedians talking with people about their extraordinary real-life experiences. As their stories unfold, they will be brought to life in heightened, star-studded re-enactments by a star-studded cast. Each hourlong episode will feature two stories.
Helms will also serve as an executive producer of the six-episode project, which hails from Warner Horizon in association with Helms' Pacific Electric Picture Co. and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
"True Story is the perfect combination of heart, humor and ingenuity that has become synonymous with the NBC Alternative brand,” Meredith Ahr, president of NBC's Alternative and Reality Group, said Friday in a statement. "We believe that truth can be stranger (and funnier!) than fiction, and Ed and Randall are the ultimate duo to help real people bring their incredible stories to life."
Added Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative president Mike Darnell: "True Story is an entirely new kind of funny television. Ed and Randall are innovators on the comedy circuit, making them the perfect combination to headline this show for NBC."
The show is based on an Australian series, True Story With Hamish & Andy; creators Tim Bartley, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee and Ryan Shelton will exec produce with Helms, Pacific Electric's Mike Falbo and showrunner Nicolle Yaron (Making It).
True Story is the second project in the works for former Office star Helms within the NBCUniversal family. He also is starring in and co-created the comedy Rutherford Falls for the company's forthcoming streaming platform, Peacock.
"I can’t wait to bring True Story to American audiences with my buddy Randall Park," Helms said. "It’s an incredibly warm, hilarious and kind-spirited show that celebrates the lost art of laughing at ourselves ... with a little help from epic re-enactments."
Said Park, whose ABC comedy Fresh Off the Boat is set to air its series finale Friday, "I'm so excited to be part of a show that combines three of my favorite things: great stories from real people, my pal Ed Helms and couches."
