Brad Schwartz’s cable channel is out to make quite an impression in scripted comedy: “Impress Me,” a YouTube series from Rainn Wilson‘s production company SoulPancake, is coming to TV via Pop.
The half-hour show, which centers on two celebrity impressionists trying to become dramatic actors, will premiere on Wednesday, Mar. 18 at 10:30 p.m., following Eugene Levy‘s “Schitt’s Creek” — which is the most-watched series in the former TV Guide Network’s limited rebrand history.
Six episodes of “Impress Me” originally premiered online on SoulPancake’s YouTube channel. Pop will air those half-dozen, plus an additional seven that have never been seen before.
“We discovered this gem of a show on YouTube from Rainn Wilson and SoulPancake that absolutely killed us,” said Schwartz, President of Pop. “And since we know that nobody is watching content online ;), we wanted to bring our television audience exclusive new episodes of this scripted comedy series that captures the spirit of celebrity fandom with a ton of heart, while also being a great match to follow the biggest hit in our network’s history, ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ on Wednesday nights.”
“This show is about more than two talented celebrity impressionists. It’s about how hard (and hilarious) it can be to follow your heart, even when the cards are stacked against you,” Wilson added. “SoulPancake birthed this baby online, and Pop’s savvy creative team is bold enough to bring it to TV.”
Created by writer/director Ben Shelton, “Impress Me” centers on Ross Marquand (“The Walking Dead,” “Mad Men”) and Jim Meskimen (“Parks and Recreation”) both of whom are trying to quit doing impressions and transition into serious acting. The effect is total chaos.
Celebrity cameos will feature a wide range of big names, including Angela Kinsey (“The Office”), Erika Christensen (“Parenthood”), Matt Jones (“Breaking Bad”), Josh Groban and Weird Al Yankovic.