‘Modern Family’ Duo Sets New Comedy Series ‘Mammoth’ on Fox
What's happening
Fox is greenlighting a new live-action comedy series called "Mammoth," created by Christopher Lloyd and Danny Zuker from the "Modern Family" team. The show is based on a British sitcom of the same name and centers on a character named Coach Tony.
Who's involved
Christopher Lloyd co-created the hit ABC mockumentary "Modern Family," which ran for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020 and followed three interrelated families in suburban Los Angeles. Danny Zuker was an executive producer and writer on that same series, and the new project is based on Mike Bubbins' British sitcom.
Why it matters
This project represents a significant move for Lloyd and Zuker to bring their proven comedy expertise to Fox after their long tenure at ABC with "Modern Family." The adaptation of an international format could signal a renewed focus on bringing British comedy sensibilities to American audiences, while leveraging the creative credibility both producers established over their decade-long success.
The story
Fox has ordered "Mammoth," a new live-action comedy series from "Modern Family" co-creator Christopher Lloyd and executive producer and writer Danny Zuker. The show is based on Mike Bubbins' British sitcom of the same name and centers on a character called Coach Tony, according to Variety.
Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan created "Modern Family," which became one of television's most successful comedies during its 11-season run on ABC from 2009 to 2020. The mockumentary sitcom followed three diverse but interrelated family setups living in suburban Los Angeles and earned widespread critical acclaim throughout its run. Lloyd has maintained an extensive career in television production, with credits spanning multiple series including the acclaimed "Frasier."
Danny Zuker's work as executive producer and writer on "Modern Family" established him as a key creative voice in the show's development and success. His partnership with Lloyd on "Mammoth" brings continuity to their collaborative approach, now transitioning to the Fox network. The decision to adapt a British sitcom reflects a broader strategy of bringing international comedy formats to American audiences, a practice that has yielded mixed results in the past.
The premise centers on Coach Tony, though the full scope of the character and supporting cast remains to be detailed. As an adaptation of an existing British format, "Mammoth" will need to localize its humor and storylines for American audiences while preserving whatever elements made the original series work for UK viewers.
For Lloyd and Zuker, the move to Fox represents a significant shift after their long association with ABC. The duo's track record with "Modern Family" demonstrates their ability to sustain comedy over multiple seasons and maintain audience engagement, qualities that will be essential as they launch this new project in what remains an increasingly competitive landscape for comedy programming.