The brilliant creator behind Netflix’s hit comedy series I Think You Should Leave is revving up a new project for HBO. Tim Robinson is co-creating and starring in The Chair Company, which has just been greenlit by the premium cable channel. The cast includes Lake Bell, Sophia Lillis, Will Price, and Joseph Tudisco. Meanwhile, Robinson is currently set to star in a feature film alongside Paul Rudd titled Friendship, which features his penchant for awkward humor on the big screen.
Via The Hollywood Reporter, HBO has picked up a series order for Tim Robinson’s upcoming comedy series, currently titled The Chair Company. Robinson will write and executive produce alongside writer Zach Kanin, who previously collaborated with him on I Think You Should Leave, Detroiters, and Saturday Night Live. Adam McKay (Vice) and Todd Schulman (Borat) will also serve as executive producers through their company, HyperObject Industries. Unlike I Think You Should Leave, it seems the new HBO show will not be a sketch comedy, instead following a specific protagonist and narrative. Check out the official logline for The Chair Company:
The Chair Company
will follow a man named William Ronald Trosper (Robinson) who, after an embarrassing incident at work, finds himself investigating a far-reaching conspiracy.
It’s Tim Robinson’s World We’re Living In
Directed by Andrew DeYoung (Our Flag Means Death), Friendship is the next big project featuring Tim Robinson, which premiered to glowing reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s a departure from the typical Robinson affair when it comes to the format, but allegedly features his signature cringy, awkward humor found in all of his projects. TIFF (Peter Kuplowsky) officially described the film as follows:
When an errant delivery pulls suburban dad Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson) into the orbit of his mysterious and charismatic new neighbour Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), a sweet bromance seems to blossom over an innocent evening of urban exploration, punk rock, and a mutual appreciation for paleolithic antiquities. But what should have been the start of a beautiful friendship is soon waylaid as Craig’s obsessive personality begins to alienate his new pal, subsequently inducing a spiral that threatens to upend Craig’s entire life.
Outside The Chair Company and Friendship, Tim Robinson fans and those unfamiliar with his work will have to binge his earlier shows if they want to see him sooner rather than later. On Netflix, I Think You Should Leave is the best sketch comedy show in ages, a surreal and truly inventive series that, for many, may be an acquired taste. Some of its sketches will force viewers to pause more than once due to its extremely cringeworthy nature. It certainly took this writer several episodes to get used to the comedy. Meanwhile, Detroiters is also a good way to get to know Robinson and his ability to bounce off comedically with a co-lead in Sam Richardson.
