Ron Howard to helm Paramount comedy remake

Ron Howard (left) and Brian Grazer

Paramount Network has ordered a pilot for a series based on Israeli dark comedy Charlie Golf One, to be produced and directed by Ron Howard.

68 Whiskey (working title) comes from Howard’s Imagine Television Studios and coproducing partner CBS Television Studios.

It follows a multicultural mix of men and women deployed as US Army medics to a forward operating base in Afghanistan, nicknamed The Orphanage.

Together, they endure a dangerous and Kafkaesque world that leads to self-destructive appetites, outrageous behaviour, intense camaraderie and, occasionally, a profound sense of purpose, Paramount Network said.

Howard is set to direct and serve as an executive producer along with fellow Oscar-winner Brian Grazer, Imagine Television Group chairman Francie Calfo and Roberto Benabib, who is also set to write.

Zion Rubin, the creator of the Israeli production, will also executive produce along with Efrat Shmaya Dror from the United Studios of Israel and Danna Stern from Yes Studios.

A second season of Charlie Golf One is currently in production with United Studios of Israel and Israeli broadcaster Yes TV.

Viacom-owned Paramount Network, formerly known as Spike, recently began rolling out a slate of original series following its rebrand, with shows such as Yellowstone, American Woman and Waco.

Viacom International Media Networks recently launched Paramount Network in the UK and Spain, where it replaced Spike.