A&E has given a 10-episode order to the docuseries “Little Funny” from producer Ellen DeGeneres.
The series will follow the 11-year-old standup comic Saffron Herndon, who will receive advice and guidance from DeGeneres, as well as Chris Rock, George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Tom Papa, Iliza Shlesinger and more, to help sharpen her skills.
“It’s crazy that Saffy is telling such hilarious jokes at 11 years old,” DeGeneres said in a statement. “When I was 11, I was telling knock-knock jokes. To be honest, I’m still telling knock-knock jokes.”
Whether it’s bringing out her inner curmudgeon or polishing the perfect “pageant girl” jokes, the unscripted series will see Saffy working with the best and brightest in the world of comedy as she prepares for various gigs.
Ellen will send Saffy messages of encouragement, as she endeavors to get stage time at legendary clubs across America. The young comic will seek inspiration from other comedians to hone her craft and prove to Ellen she has what it takes to make it in the highly competitive and cutthroat world of standup comedy.
“The world of standup comedy has never been explored through the point of view of an 11-year-old kid,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming at A&E Network. “Saffy’s journey, like that of any artist, is unique and unexpected. Viewers will have a peek behind the curtain as she hones her craft with the help of today’s best comics.”
“Little Funny” hails from This is Just a Test, Telepictures and DeGeneres’s A Very Good Production. Aengus James and Colin King Miller executive produce for This is Just a Test, alongside DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman of A Very Good Production, and Frontain Bryant and Colleen Conway Grogan for A&E.
Variety first reported the news.