ShareThisBy TERRY MORROW
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Frustrated by his network experience with Fox's "Arrested Development," David Cross is taking the reins of his own show _ the animated comedy "Freak Show."
"The genesis of this show started when I was actually working on 'Arrested Development,' which shot here in L.A. And I don't really care for L.A. very much," Cross says.
"I live in New York. I was trying to think of a show to do with Jon (Benjamin) that would allow us to work in New York, and then that's where I came up with this."
"Freak Show" airs at 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays. It's about a group of circus freaks who secretly work as superheroes. The assemblage includes the World's Tallest Nebraskan; The Siamese Twins (special power: separation); and Log Cabin Republican (special power: transformation into Burly Bear).
Cross and co-creator Benjamin provide character voices along with Will Arnett, Todd Barry, Janeane Garofalo, Jon Glaser, Kristen Schaal and Brian Stack.
Cross and Benjamin dreamed up "Freak Show" over drinks.
"We were just sitting around at a bar in New York, 2A _ it's on the corner of Second and A _ and coming up with these characters, and some of them we actually came up with for specific people," he says.
Garofalo is the inspiration for a super heroine who is a bearded lady who travels within a giant clam. A premature baby with an Italian accent is based on a character Cross used to do.
"It's all friends working on the show," says Cross dryly. "There's no audition. But there is a casting couch."
Highlights for the week of Oct. 15-21 (all times Eastern; listings subject to change; check local listings):
SUNDAY, Oct. 15
_ "Night of Too Many Stars" (8 p.m. Comedy Central). Jon Stewart hosts this evening to heighten autism awareness. Will Ferrell and Ricky Gervais are among the participants.
_ "Brothers & Sisters" (10 p.m. ABC). Kitty has to choose between her hot boyfriend and her hot co-host. Hand that girl a fan.
MONDAY, Oct. 16
_ "Frisky Dingo" (12:45 a.m. Cartoon Network). A super villain has to deal with the petty details of his business in this new animated comedy.
_ "The Upside Down Show" (11 a.m. Noggin). The interactive show for preschoolers star the Umbilical Brothers, a comedy duo who have yet to cut the cord.
_ "Heroes" (9 p.m. NBC). What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas for Hiro.
TUESDAY, Oct. 17
_ "Friday Night Lights" (8 p.m. NBC). The star quarterback has to face his life-changing injuries.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 18
_ "Black Movie Awards" (10 p.m. TNT). "Crash" and "Hustle and Flow" are the top nominees. Cedric the Entertainer is host.
_ "Top Chef" (11 p.m. Bravo). Non-pros want to prove they can take the heat in this reality show competition.
THURSDAY, Oct. 19
_ "Smallville" (8 p.m. CW). We finally get some of Green Arrow's backstory, such as why he's Green Arrow and not, like, Purple Arrow.
_ "The Office" (8:30 p.m. NBC). Michael goes overboard when he learns his predecessor has died.
