TruTV has ordered a scripted comedy pilot for Shaquille O’Neal, the cable network announced Friday. “Shaq. Inq.” will star the former basketbal player who will also exec produce the workplace comedy, loosely based on the team running his business empire.
“There is no denying Shaq’s multifaceted appeal,” said Chris Linn, president, head of programming for truTV. “Thus, we couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with him, as well as Mike Tollin and Mandalay Sports Media, as we continue to push into new formats.”
Tollin, who is exec producing with O’Neal, added, “Shaquille and I have been friends for 20 years, and his growth as a businessman never ceases to amaze and amuse me.”
Jeremy Garelick (“The Wedding Ringer,” “The Break Up”) will write the pilot, John Fortenberry (“Galavant,” “Instant Mom”) will direct, and Dan Kaplow (“Trophy Wife”) and Jon Weinbach (“The Other Dream Team,” “Straight Outta L.A.”) will serve as co-executive producers on the pilot. Mandalay Sports Media is producing.
