All in the Family’s Reiner will direct and execute produce the project.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner is adapting Basket Case, a drama with a comedic bent based on the best-selling novel by author and journalist Carl Hiaasen, as a scripted project for Spike TV. Reiner, also known as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, will direct and execute produce the dramedy.

The project centers on a great investigative reporter who has trouble dealing with authority, change, women, success, and most of all, corruption. After he savages his paper’s powerful new owner, he is demoted to the lowest position on the paper -the obits desk. The beat, however, provides a new perspective into crime-ridden Miami, and the reporter soon learns that obits are a unique window into the suspicious deaths and weird happenings in the city. Using an unusual team of friends, relatives, an ex-wife, newspaper misfits, and his beautiful new boss, he strives to regain his investigative credibility and a saner life.

“Corruption, murder and laughs. I can’t think of a more satisfying combination,” Reiner said. “Carl Hiaasen strikes the perfect balance. I’m so looking forward to entering his twisted world.” The writer of Basket Case, Carl Hiaasen added, “among writers of satire, Spinal Tap stands as a work of genius. I’m excited to see what Rob will do with my twisted little novel.”

Reiner is developing the script and will helm the project, with Alex Taub writing the series. Executive producers include Peter Gethers, Jeffrey Levine, Thom Beers, Craig Cegielski, Stefanie Berk and Liz Glotzer, along with Taub and Reiner.

Dramedy hails from FremantleMedia North America in association with Random House TV Productions and Castle Rock Entertainment.