HBO has cast two co-stars to join Stephen Merchant in the comedy pilot for Hello Ladies. Nate Torrance and Kevin Weisman will play friends and would-be wingmen to Merchant’s lead character, a hopeless English transplant to Los Angeles whose goal in life is to find his way into the elite circles of the beautiful people.
Nate Torrence, whose TV credits include Motorcity and Mr. Sunshine, the (most recent) short-lived Matthew Perry comedy, is set to play a recently separated man coming off an eleven year marriage. He’s Stephen’s best friend and unwilling wingman being forced out in the search for opportunities with the lovely but picky women of the LA club scene. Kevin Weisman of Alias is an annoying and obnoxious friend who has an odd way with the ladies when the guys go out all together that drives Stephen insane, probably since he seems to lack that kind of luck in spite of his high opinion of his own charm. Weisman’s most recent TV appearances were on Awake and Fairly Legal.
Hello Ladies is being co-written and directed as well as executive produced by The Office alum Merchant, in addition to having him in the starring role. So you could say it’s really his show. HBO plans to start shooting the pilot before the end of the year, says Deadline. Merchant fits his own role perfectly, and this new casting looks pretty good as well. Hello Ladies could be a strong addition to HBO’s comedy lineup if it makes it past the pilot stage.
