Comedy Central orders animated show, gets righteous

Comedy Central is expanding its animation slate and ordering a new show from former "Simpsons" writer David Stern.

The new half-hour series is tentatively titled "Ugly Americans" and set in an alternate-universe New York City where fantasy and sci-fi creatures live among us as ordinary citizens. The show centers on a human social worker for the Department of Immigration who helps newcomers, both human and otherwise, adjust to life in the city. The seven-episode order is set to premiere early next year.

Now here comes the benevolent "our show is perfect escapist programming for a bad economy" quote:

"During these tough economic times our viewers need a good laugh now more than ever," said Lauren Corrao, president, original programming and development. "With the pick-up of 'Ugly Americans,' our viewers will be able to escape into a fantasy world like they've never seen before."

Gah. Please. Quit it.

More: The network is also developing a Jamie Foxx workplace comedy based on his Sirius/SM satellite radio program, "The Foxxhole;" "Gypsy Cab," starring "30 Rock's" Judah Friedlander as a cab driver; and "The Invadersteins," the story of a family of aliens who stayed behind after an alien invasion of Earth failed from Dan Vebber (producer roles on "Futurama," "American Dad"). The network also announced premiere dates for previously announced new series "Tosh.0" (June 4 at 10 p.m.), "Michael & Michael Have Issues" (July 15 at 10:30 p.m.) and "Secret Girlfriend" (Oct. 14 at 10:30 p.m.).

Comedy Central also ordered pilots for an untitled Ron White show featuring in-studio and man-on-the-street segments; a sports comedy show from the Sklar brothers (executive produced by Michael Eisner) that centers around two brothers who are the heirs to a major sports conglomerate; a sketch-variety show from Andy Dick; "The Life," which follows a one-hit wonder music star (executive produced and written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh in their first project together since the hit film "Friday"); "Ghosts/Aliens," about two friends' quest to expose the truth about the existence of ghosts and aliens (executive produced by Scott Aversano and Phil Johnston); and "Midwest Teen Sex Show," an "instructional" sex sketch show (executive produced by Principato-Young and Double Features).