There are still many NBC shows to be cancelled and renewed but the peacock network has already picked up five new series for next season. One is called About a Boy and it’s based on the Nick Hornby novel — which was already made as a Hugh Grant movie back in 2002.
The TV show version will star Will Freeman, Minnie Driver, Benjamin Stockham, Al Madrigal, and Anjelah N. Johnson-Reyes. Stockham (below, left) was a regular on NBC’s 1600 Penn which has yet to be cancelled but surely will be.
Here’s the network’s description and a photo from the pilot:
ABOUT A BOY – Based on the best-selling Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity,” “An Education”) novel, written/produced by Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”) and directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Revolution”) comes a different kind of coming-of-age story. Will Freeman (David Walton, “Bent,” “Perfect Couples”) lives a charmed existence as the ultimate man-child. After writing a hit song, he was granted a life of free time, free love and freedom from financial woes. He’s single, unemployed and loving it.
So imagine his surprise when Fiona (Minnie Driver, “Good Will Hunting,” “Barney’s Version”), a needy, single mom and her oddly charming 11-year-old son Marcus (Benjamin Stockham, “1600 Penn”) move in next door and disrupt his perfect world. When Marcus begins dropping by his home unannounced, Will’s not so sure about being a kid’s new best friend, until, of course, Will discovers that women find single dads irresistible.
That changes everything and a deal is struck: Marcus will pretend to be Will’s son and, in return, Marcus is allowed to chill at Will’s house, play ping-pong and gorge on steaks, something his very vegan mom would never allow. Before he realizes it, Will starts to enjoy the visits and even finds himself looking out for the kid. In fact, this newfound friendship may very well teach him a thing or two that he never imagined possible – about himself and caring for others. Also starring are Al Madrigal (“Gary Unmarried”) and Anjelah N. Johnson-Reyes (“Our Family Wedding”).
Katims, Favreau, Tim Bevan (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Eric Fellner (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Liza Chasin (“Les Misérables,” “About a Boy”), Robert De Niro (“About a Boy,” “Meet the Parents”) and Jane Rosenthal (“About a Boy,” “Meet the Parents”) serve as executive producers. “About a Boy” is a production of Universal Television, Working Title Films, True Jack Productions and Tribeca Productions.
What do you think? Does this new series sound like it will be worth watching next season?
Like the show, but would ask that the HAT the boy wears be changed,Makes him look like a girl! Boys his age would MORE likely have a baseball style cap
There’s nothing wrong with a boy looking “like a girl” or vice versa.
It’s harmless. People should be able to look like whatever they want and wear whatever they want without being judged/teased.
When something someone does bugs you but is totally harmless…that means it reminds you of something about yourself that you don’t like.
Just something for everyone to think about.
Brilliant. Fun. Best show on tv. Give it time so that others can fall in love with it! First time that I’ve seen David Walton, he’s terrific and Minnie Driver is believable and refreshing!
Love that show! Please let it return.
Love this show!!
I love About a Boy!
Great family show no violence, very little sex, no cussing. I hope its comes back do not cancel!!!!!
We soooooooooooo look forward to this show…one of my very favorites!!
This is the best show on television. I hope it runs for many years.
Didn’t know much about the movie, but we watched it because we are big Minnie Driver fans. Hope that it will be continued next and many more. It’s a wonderful show!!!
This is the best show I’ve seen in years! The story line is so awesome and the cast is perfect! I didn’t think I would like it and I was right….I love it! 🙂
One of the best shows I’ve seen in years!