Parks and Rec wrapped up its 7 season run on NBC just two months ago. Ansari played the wise-cracking and overtly-sexual Justin Timberlake-wannabe Tom Haverford for the entire run, creating a loyal fan base in the process. He has also previously starred in movies like Funny People, I Love You, Man, and 30 Minutes or Less, as well as starring in multiple stand-up comedy specials.
Related: Aziz Ansari brings his latest comedy special to Netflix in March
The new show, which is yet to be titled, will be co-created by Ansari and Yang. Ansari will star alongside Jon Benjamin (Archer, Bob’s Burgers), Lena Waithe (The Comeback), Eric Wareheim (Great Job!), Noel Wells (SNL), and Kelvin Yu (Bob’s Burgers).
The storyline is still highly underwraps, though it seems the script may be based loosely on Anzari’s life. That might include stories of his upbringing in South Carolina, dealings of dating in the modern world (a topic in which he’s written a book about), and his well-known positions as a foodie, an atheist, and a self-described feminist. The initial run will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. Production has reportedly already begun in New York.
Universal Studios – which is also behind Parks and Recreation – will produce, along with Dave Becky and David Miner from 3 Arts, and Ansari, Yang, and Schur. James Ponsoldt (Spectacular Now) will serve as director.
This marks Ansari’s third project with Netflix. The comedian launched his comedy special Buried Alive via Netflix, and last month, premiered a second special, Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden, on the streaming service as well. Other Ansari standup specials, including Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening and Dangerously Delirious, are also both available on Netflix.
The new series will be the second under Schur’s belt – he also works on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The young producer/writer started out on Saturday Night Live as head writer on Weekend Update, a position for which he won his first Emmy.
