Always On, Slightly Off

IFC 2014 UPFRONTS 

In 2013 IFC experienced double digit climbs in viewership and ratings. The male oriented Always On, Slightly Skewed Network continues to improve its network by introducing a multitude of content from original series. With two new scripted comedies in development, and 3 new shows set to air within the next year IFC is determined to become a force to be reckoned with. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the channel and it seems they want to bring it in with a BANG! IFC is one of the few channels that does not censor its content, and airs R-rated and TV-MA rated series uncensored. Not only is IFC the channel, a force to be reckoned with, so is its website. IFC features information about not only the content on the channel, but also blogs, and news about films and politics

New Original and Acquired Programming:

American Documentary (Premieres in 2015)

American Documentary is a curated series of half-hour documentaries and biopics, each about a completely fictitious subject. Featuring a repertory-like ensemble cast, the episodes will explore important political figures, influential artists, titans of industry, and iconic cultural movements, all utterly fictional. Produced by Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Television and directed by SNL's Rhys Thomas, American Documentary will be shot on location in the traditional documentary style.

American Storage (Premieres in 2015)

When a straight-laced employee at a storage facility befriends a man he discovers living in one of the units, a friendship blossoms and mayhem ensues. Rob Huebel stars as Kurt Jones, a thrill-seeking bachelor who takes up residence in a Los Angeles storage facility and shows Charlie (John Karna) there’s more to life than a steady job, a hot girlfriend and suitable housing. American Storage is based on the short film of the same name co-written by Andrew Jay Cohen (Neighbors) and Brendan O’Brien (Neighbors) and directed by Cohen. 

CollegeHumor Comedy Music Awards (Award Show to debut in 2015)

When comedy and music collide, the results are explosive. IFC and CollegeHumor are coming together to honor the best of the comedy music genre with the first-ever Comedy Music Awards. A parody of traditional awards shows, this on-air and online concert will feature top musical comedy talent and performances set against the backdrop of a fake, overly self-important awards show. Complementary pieces include a new comedy music website, original comedy music videos and interactive digital features that will engage the audience.

THE SPOILS BEFORE DYING (Premieres Summer 2015)
will include a new celeb cast, and the miniseries will be executive produced by Ferrell, Adam McKay, Matt Piedmont, Andrew Steele and Nate Young. Steele and Piedmont return as writers, with Piedmont also directing. The Spoils Before Dying, based on Jonrosh’s first best-selling novel, follows a 1950s jazz pianist-turned-private eye, who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.

SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT

Westside

Created and written by Jordan Okun and executive produced by Joel McHale (Community, The Soup), Jason Burns and Free Period, this half-hour scripted comedy follows a group of suburban schnooks who are forced into a life of crime.

The Bank 

A half-hour scripted comedy, executive produced by Teri Weinberg (The Office, Ugly Betty) and Brigitte Bako (G-Spot), about a dysfunctional family who runs a sperm bank. Bako is also writing the project.

RENEWED SERIES

THE BIRTHDAY BOYS (Season 2 - Premieres in late 2014)

The series features both stand-alone and multi-act sketches poking fun at real-life moments and cultural touchstones and takes a hilariously skewed perspective on everyone’s shared experiences. Along with honorary eighth member Bob Odenkirk, The Birthday Boys ensemble includes Jefferson Dutton, Dave Ferguson, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis, Matt Kowalick, Mike Mitchell and Chris VanArtsdalen whose collective credits include Conan, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Portlandia, Funny or Die, Comedy Bang! Bang! and more.

COMEDY BANG! BANG! (Season 4 - Premieres in 2015)

IFC has also ordered an expanded fourth season of Comedy Bang! Bang! hosted by Scott Aukerman, with 40 all-new half-hour episodes. This is the second time IFC has doubled its episode order for the series, which aired 10 episodes in season one and grew to 20 episodes in seasons two and three. The show continues to be a favorite among IFC’s viewers and advertising partners with brands such as Volkswagen and Cheez-It appearing through customized storyline integrations.

PORTLANDIA (Season 5 – Premieres in 2015)

When Portlandia premiered, no one expected it to be a success, much less one of the overnight variety. But danged if the show — a series of sketch-comedy vignettes starring real-life BFFs Fred Armisen (SNL) and newcomer Carrie Brownstein — didn’t break out. Set in a dreamy, romanticized version of Portland, Ore., it pokes fun at the city’s hipster-hippie residents, who seem to want to “pickle everything” (and we mean everything).

TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET (Returns With More Chapters Fall 2014)

Trapped in the Closet is a rap opera by American R&B singer R. Kelly, which currently consists of 33 whole "chapters" released from 2005 to 2012. Written and produced by Kelly, the series tells a story of a one-night stand which sets off a chain of events, gradually revealing a greater web of lies, sex, and deceit. The music follows a distinct E major pattern, and most chapters of the story feature the same melodic theme.

FATE TO BE DETERMINED

Maron (No News yet about Season 3)

BREEZY'S RECAP...

It’s been another year and I have still not watched anything on or even browsed by the IFC Channel. IFC is always going to be one of the hardest channels for me to review because I do not have IFC. In fact, before I started doing this blog I had never even heard of IFC before. I am not a big fan of comedies nor am I male, therefore I do not think I am the target audience for this channel. However, people have emailed me about it so, I summarized their 2013 Upfront presentation. What about you, do you like IFC? Have you ever heard of IFC? If IFC died in the woods, would it make a sound? What will you be watching IFC? Anything here tickle your fancy? Tell me all about it in the Comments.