In an exclusive feature coming from Deadline, it was reported that NBC is in the works of developing a project with Sam Sklaver (Prodigal Son, Blunt Talk), Kevin Hench (Last Man Standing, Mr. Iglesias), and former NFL star Peyton Manning (Ferdinand, Capital One College Bowl). Manning’s Omaha Productions will create their first scripted TV comedy sale in collaboration with Universal Television.
This newest series is called What Are the Odds? It is a workplace comedy that is set in a Las Vegas sports book. It utilizes the setting to use gambling as part of its overarching theme and send a message. The series would look at bets and risks people make in their lives, which includes choosing the right friends, jobs and relationships. The main goal is to highlight how all of our most meaningful decisions are really just big bets with unpredictable results, via Deadline.
Sklaver and Hench were brought on to executive produce the series. Joining them would be none other than former NFL football player and Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning, through his banner, Omaha Productions. NBC’s Universal TV, a division of its Universal Studio Group, will develop and produce the series.
This isn’t the first time that Hench and Manning have worked on a project together. They are regular contributors for the Minus Three podcast on the Omaha Audio network. Hench had also worked with Manning on The Santa Clauses for Disney+ for which Hench was an executive producer on.
As for Sklaver, this will be his first time working with Manning and Hench. Among his list of works, he co-created and executive produced the Fox mystery crime drama, Prodigal Son (2019-2021). It ran for two seasons and became a massive hit. Sklaver most recently served as a co-executive producer on the first season of Hulu’s Up Here. He is represented by WME and Hansen Jacobson Teller Hoberman.
Hench meanwhile created and executive produced the popular comedy Mr. Iglesias (2019-2020). He also co-created and executive produced Cristela (2014-2015) and executive produced the comedy Last Man Standing (2011-2021). He most recently teamed up with Andy Ackerman (Seinfeld, Cheers) to work with Damon Wayans (The Last Boy Scout, My Wife And Kids) and Damon Wayans Jr (Big Hero 6, The Other Guys) for their untitled pilot for CBS. He is represented by CAA and Morris Yorn Barnes Levine.
After retiring from the NFL, Manning launched Omaha Productions. It executive produces ESPN’s Emmy-winning Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli along with alternative telecasts for college football, NBA, golf, and the UFC. Manning and Omaha Productions also serve as executive producers for NFL Honors and ESPN+’s Places franchise. It features many recognizable names in American football such as Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Abby Wambach, Vince Carter, David Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, P.K. Subban, Sue Bird, and John McEnroe. For its unscripted portfolio, Omaha Productions also includes Quarterback, On the Clock, and King of Collectibles. For media, Manning and Omaha Productions are repped by WME, via Deadline.
There is no official release date yet or any list of potential cast members. Many would more than likely hear something ahead of the NFL’s 2023-2024 football season. It is expected that more developments would come out soon and be covered as the summer rolls in.