Hulu has given a series order to the original comedy series Shrill starring Emmy nominee Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live). Production on the six-episode first season begins this week in Portland.
Based on Lindy West's memoir Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman, the comedy centers on Annie (Bryant), a fat young woman who wants to change her life - but not her body. She is trying to make it as a journalist while juggling bad boyfriends, sick parents and a perfectionist boss, while the world around her deems her not good enough because of her weight. She starts to realize that she's as good as anyone else, and acts on it.
The comedy will also feature Lolly Adefope (Miracle Workers) as Fran, Annie's best friend and roommate; Luka Jones (People of Earth) as Ryan, Annie's boyfriend; Ian Owens (Unelectable You) as Amadi, Annie's friend and co-worker; and John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) as Gabe, Annie's boss. Production on the new series is not expected to interfere with Bryant's role on NBC's Saturday Night Live - where she has been a member of the cast since 2012.
Bryant, West and Alexandra Rushfield developed the series, with Rushfield serving as showrunner for the first season. Rushfield and West will executive produce with Lorne Michaels, Andrew Singer, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman. Bryant will serve as a co-executive producer, with Danna Shinder as a producer. Jesse Peretz will direct and executive produce the premiere, with Carrie Brownstein helming the second episode. Broadway Video and Brownstone Productions produce.
