Denis Leary Returns to FX for ‘Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll’ Comedy Pilot, Will Write and Star
Just three years after Denis Leary's under-appreciated FX dramedy 'Rescue Me' put out its last fire, the legendary comic is returning to the network for a new half-hour series. Leary will both write and star in the pilot for a New York-set musician comedy 'Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll,' set to feature original music and occasional guest appearances by real-life rock stars as well.
"Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll is a terrific script and concept with Denis Leary’s signature brand of comedy,” FX president of original programming Eric Schrier said in the announcement. “Denis is a tremendous talent who played a major role in the growth of our network with Rescue Me, which was one of the most groundbreaking series of the last decade. We’re thrilled to have him back home at FX.”
Shooting on location in New York, the half-hour series follows Leary as Johnny Rock, a middle-age rock 'n' roller who lost his shot at being rich and famous to problems with booze, coke, weed, pills, cough medicine, and sleeping with his bandmates' significant others. Rock's actions broke up their '90s band "The Heathens" on the day of their first record release, until twenty-five years later, as a broke and bartending Johnny attempts to get the band back together on the advice of his manager Ira.
"I am very excited to be returning to FX where working with Nick [Grad], Eric and John Landgraf has been one of the best creative experiences of my life," Leary said. "Plus I hear they have much better swag now." Leary's Apostle banner partner Jim Serpico will executive produce the comedy.
We'll look forward to having Denis Leary back on FX, but what say you? Could 'Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll' live up to the legacy of 'Rescue Me?'