As confirmed by Variety last year, B.J Novak’s untitled project (formerly called Platform) was picked up by FX after the platform ordered two episodes. Written, directed and executive produced by Novak, the half-an-hour anthological series will picture a different cast in each episode. The plot will use the boldest issues of our time as a jumping-off point to tell singular, character-driven stories about the world we live in today. The number of episodes for the first season is yet to be decided and the network did not give details on characters or storylines. As a result, Novak’s work will be synonymous with other Disney-owned cable anthological series such as American Horror Story, American Crime Story and Fargo.
As Deadline reported it, the first episode is dramatic while the other is comedic with a touch of animation, thus both giving a very different vibe. Episode one stars Lucas Hedges (Ben is Back), Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart), O’Shea Jackson Jr (Long Shot), George Wallace (4 Little Girls), Ed Asner (Lou Grant), among others. The second episode casts Jon Bernthal (The Punisher), Boyd Holbrook (Narcos), Amy Landecker (Project Almanac), Beau Bridges (The Mountain Between Us), and more.
Nick Grad, President of Original Programming FX Entertainment, said in a statement that they had been “admirers of B.J. Novak for a long time” and that they “loved his creative twist on the anthology format, and he delivered on two phenomenal episodes. We are looking forward to going into production on the rest of the season and supporting BJ’s ambitious vision for this project”
Novak was a writer, executive producer, director and played Ryan Howard on The Office, which aired from 2005-13 on NBC. In addition, he served as executive producer, writer, director for The Mindy Project in 2012. He also appeared in hit shows Community and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend while also playing in films like Inglorious Basterds, Saving Mr. Banks and The Founder.