Kidding (Showtime 2018, Jim Carrey, Frank Langella)

Kidding centers on Jeff, aka Mr. Pickles (Jim Carrey), an icon of children’s television and a beacon of kindness and wisdom to America’s impressionable young minds and the parents who grew up with him. But when this beloved personality’s family begins to implode, Jeff finds no fairytale, fable or puppet will guide him through this crisis, which advances faster than his means to cope. The result: A kind man in a cruel world faces a slow leak of sanity as hilarious as it is heartbreaking.

The series also stars Oscar(R), Emmy(R) and Golden Globe nominee Frank Langella, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Catherine Keener and Judy Greer. Throughout the season, Jeff begins to push back against the limits of the well-oiled machine that is “Mr. Pickles’ Puppet Time,” and of his executive producer, Seb (Langella).

Seb fears Jeff’s mental state could ruin the branding empire they’ve built, and thus begins preparing the show for a life after Jeff, while Deirdre (Keener), the head puppet maker, grapples with her own personal and professional life issues. Greer stars as Jeff’s estranged wife and their son is played by Cole Allen. Guest stars include Justin Kirk and Ginger Gonzaga.

production details
USA / Showtime / x30 minutes / Premieres Sunday 9 September 2018

Creator and Executive Producer: Dave Holstein
Executive Producers: Michael Gondry, Jim Carrey, Michael Aguilar, Roberto Benabib, Raffi Adlan, Emmy nominee Jason Bateman, Jim Garavente

cast
Jim Carrey as Jeff
Frank Langella as Seb
Catherine Keener as Deirdre
Judy Greer as Jill