TORONTO – Global TV is testing the waters with a pilot based on the real life relationship between Canadian actor, television host, and executive producer Howie Mandel and his millennial YouTube personality son Alex Mandel.
Available exclusively on on GlobalTV.com and Global Go, The Family Business is a single camera comedy digital test pilot produced by Entertainment One (eOne) in association with Shaw Media. Once streamed, Canadians are encouraged to have their say about The Family Business by completing a survey.
Based on the Mandel men’s actual lives and experiences, with additional cast playing their family and friends, The Family Business also explores Howie’s family dynamic and the fun that ensues when living with his digital entrepreneur son in the heart of Hollywood.
“Backed by the multifaceted and always entertaining Howie Mandel, and featuring new talent, his son Alex Mandel, The Family Business is a great multi-generational comedy,” said Shaw Media’s SVP and chief creative officer Christine Shipton, in the news release. “By hosting the pilot online versus broadcasting it on TV we have the unique ability to hear directly from viewers. We’re excited to discover what Canadians think.”
“Not since I Love Lucy has there been a sitcom depicting a real life relationship with the real people. I'm so excited for everyone to see The Family Business because I believe it's the most relatable show I've ever done,” added the senior Mandel. “Whether you're a parent who's never on the same page as your child, or the child living in a different world than your parent, there's something for everyone. I asked my son Alex to add a comment about the show but he said not now, he's busy.”
