HBO lands new comedy 'Alan Opts Out' from Emily Kapnek and Bill Lawrence

HBO is expanding its comedy slate with the development of Alan Opts Out, a half-hour comedy series from Suburgatory creator Emily Kapnek and executive producer Bill Lawrence.

The project is based on Courtney Maum’s recently published novel of the same name and comes from Warner Bros. Television and Lawrence’s Doozer Productions.

The upcoming HBO comedy follows Alan Anderson, a successful advertising executive whose life unravels after losing the biggest client of his career. Struggling with both his professional future and personal identity, Alan makes the unusual decision to abandon modern conveniences and attempt to live off the land in the backyard of his suburban Connecticut home. The story explores themes of privilege, consumerism and self-discovery through a comedic lens.

Emily Kapnek has written the adaptation and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer will executive produce on behalf of Doozer Productions, while author Courtney Maum is also attached as an executive producer. Warner Bros. Television is producing the series.

The project further strengthens HBO’s relationship with Lawrence following the success of Rooster, which was renewed for a second season after its strong performance earlier this year. Lawrence also remains behind several high-profile television projects, including Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Bad Monkey, the upcoming Scrubs reboot and Netflix’s I Suck At Girls.

Kapnek is known for creating series including Suburgatory, Selfie and the U.S. adaptation of Splitting Up Together. She is also behind the upcoming Disney+ animated series Rhona Who Lives By the River.

Casting, a production schedule and a premiere date for Alan Opts Out have not yet been announced.