BBC2 Leblanc comedy begins shooting

Cameras are rolling on Episodes, the new comedy vehicle starring Friends alumnus Matt Leblanc, which will air on UK public broadcaster BBC2 and US cable network Showtime.

The Hat Trick Productions series stars Leblanc, who played loveable idiot Joey Tribbiani in the NBC mega-hit, as a larger-than-life version of himself.

The plot sees a British couple – played by Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg (both Green Wing) – as a married couple who are the producers of fictional hit UK show Lyman’s Boys. A US exec persuades them to remake the show across the pond, replacing the Shakespearean lead with Leblanc, best known for his sitcom roles.

The show was penned by another Friends alum, David Crane, and Jeffrey Klarik (Mad About You). The pair also produce the series with Hat Trick CEO Jimmy Mulville, while Simon Wilson executive produces for the BBC.