LOL: Last One Laughing, the hit international comedy format, is getting a U.S. set.
Amazon has greenlit a domestic version of the show, which has been a big hit for the streamer globally and particularly in the UK, where the first season was one of its biggest series launches ever.
The format is simple: 10 of the top comics and comedic actors are thrown together for six hours with one mandate — make everyone else lose it without so much as cracking a smile themselves. Essentially, you laugh, you lose.
If that sounds easy, watch British comedian Bob Mortimer open his jokebook while sitting on a toy horse trying to make Richard Ayoade laugh below.
The series will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment, which is behind Hulu’s The Kardashians and Fox’s recent World Cup After Hours with James Corden.
Eric Pankowski, exec producer of Carpool Karaoke, will serve as showrunner and will exec produce with Ben Winston, who is showrunner of The Grammys, and Emma Conway.
The cast will be revealed at a later date.
LOL: Last One Laughing is adapted from the Japanese series Documental and has already been remade in more than 25 territories including in Canada, where Jay Baruchel serves as host; in Mexico, which has Eugenio Derbez; in South Africa, led by Trevor Noah; in Ireland with Graham Norton; and in Australia with Rebel Wilson. Jimmy Carr hosts the UK version.
Jenn Levy, Head of Nonfiction Series at Amazon MGM Studios, said in May at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit that the No. 1 question she’s been asked since she took the job earl7 this year was when there would be a U.S. version of LOL: Last One Laughing.
“LOL: Last One Laughing is one of those rare series that transcends language and culture,” Levy said. “The premise is beautifully simple — try not to laugh — and audiences around the world have fallen for it instantly. We’re proud to bring this beloved format to the U.S. with the incredible team at Fulwell Entertainment, and we can’t wait for American audiences to experience the hilarity for themselves.”
Added Ben Winston, founding partner of Fulwell Entertainment: “We’re thrilled to bring this incredible format to the U.S. with our friends at Amazon MGM Studios.
Millions around the world have already fallen in love with this wonderful show, so we are beyond excited to be bringing it to American audiences, featuring some of the most beloved comedic voices from across the country.”
