Doc-inspired Big Leap lands at Fox

The Big Leap cast (L-R) Kevin Daniels, Mallory Jansen, Scott Foley, Simone Recasner, Raymond Cham, Ser’Darius Blain, Teri Polo, Piper Perabo and Jonathan Rudnitsky, and guest stars Karen Rodriguez, Adam Kaplan, Anna Grace Barlow and Donnetta Jackson

US broadcast network Fox has ordered a scripted show about a group of diverse underdogs that was inspired by a documentary aired on UK pubcaster Channel 4 in 2014.

The Big Leap, which comes from 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment, is described as a “big-hearted, rowdy dramedy” that takes viewers on a journey of self-acceptance, body-positivity and empowerment at any age.

Written by Liz Heldens, it is inspired by the 2014 documentary Big Ballet, a three-part documentary about the careers of plus-size dancers.

The show-within-a-show will centre on a group of down-on-their-luck characters who compete to be part of a “potentially life-ruining reality dance show” that builds to a live production of Swan Lake.

The pilot was directed by Jason Winer, who has directed 16 comedy pilots for 20th Television, including the Modern Family pilot. The Big Leap is his first drama pilot. The executive producers include Heldens, Winer and Sue Naegle.

The ensemble cast includes Scott Foley, Simone Recasner, Ser’Darius Blain, Jon Rudnitsky, Raymond Cham Jr, Mallory Jansen, Kevin Daniels, Piper Perabo and Teri Polo.

“What this group of underdogs lack in dance training, they make up for with their edge, wit and desire to reimagine an iconic story to fit their own mould. The Big Leap is a modern tale about second chances and chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours,” the producers said.