Knowing in the back of your mind that Showtime's Happyish was, at one time, set as a starring vehicle for Philip Seymour Hoffman before his untimely passing, this initial teaser for the new series is, at first, a little disquieting. And while Hoffman would have rocked this character, no doubt, that's not to say that his replacement, Steve Coogan, will do a bad job by any means based on this first glimpse at the forthcoming show.
In fact, even knowing what this could have been, this teaser looks entirely promising and actually quite funny, in a manner which feels both familiar and fresh. The first look, via Showtime, lets audiences get a good glimpse at the show's protagonist Thom Payne (Coogan), a newly 44-year-old man who must deal with the stresses of middle age and his new boss in combatant with his depression.
Created by Shalom Auslander, who also writes and executive produces the series, the pilot is directed by Ken Kwapis (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), who's also attached as an executive producer. The premiere for the new darkly humorous sitcom is set for April 26 at 9:30 p.m. In addition to Coogan, Happyish also stars Kathryn Hahn and Bradley Whitford.
Hoffman was attached to the project back in the summer of 2013 and even starred in the inital pilot under the direction of John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). Showtime gave the series a full season order before the actor tragically passed away. Coogan filled in for the part back in October. Hahn was attached to the series at both times.
While the death of Hoffman will ultimately loom on in viewer's eyes during this pilot, this teaser gives some good hope that this series will be in fine hands thanks to Coogan. TV watchers ultimately have to determine that for themselves, however, when the series begins this April.
Check out the new teaser below:
Image courtesy of ACE/INFphoto.com