T.J. Miller already has a pretty solid relationship with HBO, as he’s one of the core comedians making up the hilarious cast of the acclaimed sophomore series Silicon Valley, and it’s hopefully about to grow even bigger. The premium cable network is teaming with Miller for a TV pilot based on the actor’s bizarre YouTube series The Gorburger Show from a couple of years ago. Looks like Bill Maher and John Oliver might not be the only talk show hosts in town.
The premise for The Gorburger Show will seem almost normal to anyone used to surreal comedy and Adult Swim shows. Miller voices the animatronic alien monster Gorburger, who follows his Earthly crash landing by taking over a Japanese morning show and uses it to interview celebrities and other pop culture figures. To be expected, his questions can get pretty weird, and he also utilizes the subservient crew from the actual morning show in helping his own project along. Think Space Ghost: Coast to Coast meets Between Two Ferns, with Miller’s P.O.V. guiding it. Should the show get picked up to series, it will also apparently feature Gorburger’s actual mission, whatever that may be.
According to THR, the pilot episode will see Gorburger sitting down with actors Ed Helms and Johnny Knoxville and musician Moby, with a musical performance from rapper Danny Brown and rock band Health. As well, the episode will feature a new song from rockers Eagles of Death Metal. Both Health and Eagles previously appeared on the web series. Miller will write the episode, while co-creators Josh Martin and Ryan McNeely will direct. As well, the Lonely Island trio of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer will executive produce, along with the guys from 3 Arts and Funny or Die. Comedy is all over this bitch.
The Gorburger Show started back in 2012 and ran for two seasons and 16 episodes, ending in 2013. Over the course of its run, Gorburger interviewed The Mars Volta, learned how to make a tequila drink from Mariachi El Bronx, and even handed over guest-hosting duties to Carson Daly. Check out the first episode below, in which the music duo Tegan and Sara sit down with the disruptive alien.
T.J. Miller has been all over the place in recent years, with an ever-increasing number of voice roles on his resume. Will we one day get to see him as Gorburger on the small screen at the same time we’re watching him alongside Deadpool on the big screen? It’s up to HBO.
