You’ve heard of Dog With a Blog–or at least you have if you’re of a certain age or have TV-watching children–which is, of course, about a talking dog who contributes to his own personal blog. The title promises nothing else than what it says it’s going to be, and the same is true of Disney Channel’s newest addition.
The Disney Studios-owned network responsible for classics like That’s So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody ordered a pilot for a new series called Right Hand Guy, Deadline reports. The show is considered “high-concept,” much like Dog With a Blog, meaning that there’s one “easily-communicable idea,” and that here, of course, is exactly what “right hand guy” promises–a personified hand.
Right Hand Guy follows 12 year-old Jeff, played by Steele Stubbins, as he journeys with his closest possible friend, his right hand that by some currently-unknown stroke of magic or science or mere whim become completely animated, talking and likely becoming some kind of mentor guide to the middle schooler. A certain amount of antics will definitely come out of Jeff having to hide his talking hand from the easily-frightened public, learning from it, taking advice, and whatnot. Joining him is his friend, human girl Katie (who has yet to be cast).
The idea springs from the mind of Dan Lagana, who is also the creative behind Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, an MTV comedy starring comedian Bo Burnham. Lagana, at least for the pilot, will also be writing the script and executive producing. To direct comes Cody Blue Snider, a comedic character himself who’s first Google Image result features him standing bloodied and scratch-faced with an opossum on his shoulder and a dopey, shocked look. It’s this kind of mind that directed Fool’s Day as well, a dark comedy about an April Fool’s Day prank turned fatal.
It is completely unlikely that Right Hand Guy will be anywhere near as thriller-type. As Lagana is also Hulu’s Deadbeat‘s old show-runner–which was a show about a therapist-type for the paranormal–combined with Snider’s completely unique sense of humor, this new series is likely going to be one of Disney Channel’s most unusual and humorous shows on its roster.
Said Jonas Agin, VP, Original Series, Disney Channel and Disney XD, “[Lagana] is that rare writer who combines absurdist, laugh-out-loud comedy with endearing, emotional resonance. His project reflects our continuing commitment to truly growing the Disney Channel brand.”
As for the young star, Stubbins, this won’t be his first acting rollercoaster either. The 12 year-old actor has already appeared in roles for Vacation and NBC’s Heartbeat.
Right Hand Guy joins Disney Channel’s other new comedies: Bizaardvark, a young show about a month old, and Stuck In the Middle, whose popularity has scored for itself a second season.