Peacock is gearing up to revolutionise our screens with In the Know, an original animated comedy by Zach Woods and Brandon Gardner. This upcoming series is not your typical show — it cleverly blends live-action interviews with stop-motion animation, offering a unique and hilarious take on the world of NPR.
Co-created by Woods, Judge and Gardner, the public radio parody chronicles the making of NPR’s fictional “third most popular host” Lauren Caspian’s radio program, where he conducts in-depth interviews with real-world human guests. The star-studded lineup includes Kaia Gerber, Jonathan Van Ness, Ken Burns, Finn Wolfhard, Norah Jones, Tegan and Sara, Nicole Byer, Roxane Gay, Mike Tyson, Jorge Masvidal and Hugh Laurie.
You can catch a sneak peek of the Peacock Original now on YouTube, where the official trailer introduces us to Lauren Caspian, a stop-motion puppet and NPR host who is well-meaning but also a bit of a nimrod. Each episode follows the making of an episode of his show where Lauren takes the spotlight as he navigates the challenges of his weekly show.
In the Know is more than just an animated comedy; it’s a clever commentary on our quirks, hypocrisies and the absurdities of our lives. Peacock describes the show that mirrors the sanctimonious doofuses we all can be, creating relatable and entertaining content. The series boasts top-tier voice talent, with Woods, Judge, Caitlin Reilly, Charlie Bushnell, J. Smith-Cameron, and Carl Tart, alongside intricate stop-motion animation by ShadowMachine.
Woods and Gardner, the masterminds behind the series, express their love for public radio, aiming to connect with diverse perspectives through humour and honest conversation. Their goal is to kick off funny, scary, and friendly banter, portraying characters who may be irredeemable but undeniably lovable. The frail yet overconfident puppet, Lauren Caspian, adds an extra layer of charm to the series.
Whether you are a fan of stop-motion animation, enjoy awkwardly delightful interviews, or savour a good laugh, get ready for a blend of cringe-worthy comedy and insightful conversations as the puppet host grapples with awkward questions and moments.
In The Know will debut on Peacock on January 25th, 2024.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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