NBC has given a straight-to-series order to the comedy “Young Rock” from Dwayne Johnson and “Fresh Off the Boat” creator Nahnatchka Khan.
Written by Khan and Jeff Chiang, the single-camera comedy will chronicle Johnson’s younger years. The actor and former pro wrestler is set to appear in all 11 episodes.
Executive producers on the series include Khan, Johnson, Chiang, Dany Garcia of Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Jennifer Carreras. The show will be produced by Universal Television, Seven Bucks and Khan’s Fierce Baby Productions.
NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy announced the news at the Television Critics Association press tour on Saturday. Telegdy attempted to FaceTime with Johnson from the stage to make the announcement together, but technological issues derailed the bit. Fortunately, Johnson was still able to deliver his message to reporters via a recorded message later in the day.
The new series extends NBC’s relationship with Johnson, who currently hosts the game show “The Titan Games” for the network.
Among NBC’s other announcements on Saturday were a massive three-season renewal for the medical drama “New Amsterdam,” a new nature documentary “The New World” set to premiere in 2024 and Amy Poehler and Tina Fey signing on to return as hosts of the Golden Globes in 2021.