Streaming platform Roku has ordered the new scripted comedy series “Tightrope!” starring Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) and executive produced by Bryan Cranston. The logline: Through reimagined dialogue and a new lead actor in Ty Burrell, “Tightrope!” reshapes the drama of the vintage 1950s series into a slapstick comedy, where Burrell plays a lone wolf detective following cases city to city, while he searches for his long-lost love who got away.
The original “Tightrope” was a crime drama that aired on CBS in the 1959-60 TV season.
“Since ‘Tightrope!’ is a comedy about a detective (and finding a Wallenda seemed off brand) we’re thrilled to have Ty Burrell and Bryan Cranston join us at Roku for this imaginative, funny series.” said Charlie Collier, President, Roku Media. “What a joy to welcome Ty and Bryan to the Roku Originals lineup, along with the Moonshot and Desert Whale teams and our partners at Village Roadshow Television. We’re pleased to add ‘Tightrope!’ to our growing originals slate to delight our audiences.”
“I’m so thrilled to be working with Bryan, and Roku Originals, on this bonkers (in the best way) idea of a show,” said Ty Burrell.
“I was inspired by the on-the-nose old drama series of the 50’s, to mess with the whole thing and create a new version of a lunatic comedy, never seen before in a TV series. Tightrope is a result of a fever dream, and conceived over a bowl of chili at Chasens, savvy?” said Bryan Cranston.
“Tightrope!” will be produced by Moonshot Entertainment, Desert Whale Productions, and Village Roadshow Televison. Bryan Cranston and James Degus will serve as executive producers for Moonshot Entertainment. Ty Burrell will executive produce for Desert Whale Productions. Adam Small and Fax Bahr will also executive produce and direct the series. The series will be overseen by Morgan Pichinson on behalf of Roku Originals.