CW to revive Fox’s MADtv

The CW to is revive sketch comedy-cum-variety series MADtv, which previously went out on rival US broadcast network Fox.

The Emmy-winning series hasn’t had new episodes since 2009, when Fox dropped it after 14 seasons. Producer Telepictures will make the reboot, with David E. Salzman, Mark Teitelbaum and John Montgomery executive-producing.

The CW has commissioned eight hour-long episodes, though premiere and slot details have not been revealed.

MADtv is known as a popular culture satire and sketch comedy with politically incorrect tones, featuring an ensemble cast and celebrity guest appearances.

Classic episodes of the original 300-ep run are already available on The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, while a 20^th anniversary reunion special featuring highlights from the original and new material went out recently.

A new cast of “up-and-coming” comedians is being sought for The CW’s show, with returning cast members appearing as episode hosts.

“The MADtv franchise is as vibrant as ever thanks largely to social and digital media appealing to a fan base numbering in the millions that relates to the show’s brand of authentic and irreverent cross-cultural comedy,” said Salzman, who will be EP and showrunner.

“We will continue to present the hard-hitting, laugh-out-loud, wall-to-wall pop culture parody our fans expect, but in a fresh, new way.”

The show was spun out of the Mad magazine and comic books, which are part of Time Warner, a co-owner of The CW through its Hollywood studio, Warner Bros.