Universal Content Productions (UCP) has secured the rights to adapt Wisecrack, an iHeartMedia drama podcast based on a real-life story, for television.
The story combines the world of stand-up comedy with a murder case. The series is being written by Severance writer Eli Jorné. Executive producers include Nick Antosca’s production company Eat the Cat, alongside Tenderfoot TV, iHeartMedia and Starwipe Productions.
Released in September, the podcast received strong responses from both critics and listeners. At the centre of the story is British comedian Edd Hedges, who also took Wisecrack on tour across Europe and 10 cities in the United States.
Wisecrack follows the night Hedges returned to his hometown for a charity performance. What began as a warm homecoming quickly took a dark turn when murders started occurring only hours after his set, eventually becoming personal when the killer appeared at Hedges’ own doorstep. The investigation stretches from an English village to courtrooms and prison before circling back to the stage where the story first began.
Non-writing executive producers on the project include Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund for Eat the Cat; Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey for Tenderfoot TV; Conal Byrne and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartMedia; and Jodi Tovay and Charles Forbes for Starwipe Productions. UCP secured the adaptation rights to the project following a competitive bidding process.
