TV Executive Claims To Be Looking For Edgy

HOLLYWOOD, CA–Michael Wilhoyte, NBC’s vice-president of programming, made the specious claim Monday that he is seeking “edgy, push-the-envelope new sitcoms” for the network. “What we want are things that will shake up viewers and really defy their expectations,” Wilhoyte told Daily Variety TV reporter Naomi Berger. “We want shows that have a jarring, not-in-Kansas-anymore effect on the audience. Not your grandmother’s sitcom, if you will.” Three hours later, Wilhoyte approved a seven-figure development deal for a sitcom pitched as “Friends, but in Los Angeles.”