'Hard Times' ahead at MTV

Network orders comedy series from producing duo

By Nellie Andreeva

July 9, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

MTV has fallen on "Hard Times," handing out a series order to a coming-of-age comedy created and executive produced by David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith.

The teen series, whose plot is drawing comparisons to HBO's older-skewing new comedy "Hung," chronicles the hellish life of RJ Berger, a desperately unpopular 15-year-old.

When RJ's anatomical gift is dramatically revealed in front of the whole school, he goes from anonymous to infamous and finds his first sliver of confidence. But he also has to deal with a best friend trying to capitalize on his newfound fame, a student body with no shortage of cruel jokes and an insane home life.

In the pilot stage, "Hard," from New Remote Prods., was announced last month as part of MTV's development slate.

Katzenberg, whose producing credits include CBS' "Survivor," directed the pilot for the show, which was written by Grahame-Smith.

MTV declined to comment.

'Hard Times' ahead at MTV

Network orders comedy series from producing duo

By Nellie Andreeva

July 9, 2009, 11:00 PM ET