TBS buys stake in Funny or Die; Bochco show in development

Interesting move announced this morning by TBS: The company has bought a minority stake in the website Funny or Die, apparently to seed ideas for future shows on TBS and Adult Swim. Plus, on the jump, some new projects that the network said are in development. Here's the statement re: ForD:

Turner has already worked extensively with Funny Or Die on the creative side of the business, and the two companies will now partner on content that reaches across all platforms, including television, mobile and tablets. “We're investing in Funny Or Die because we can take their great content and give it a wider audience through the incredible reach of TBS,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, which includes TBS. “TBS and Funny Or Die will give people a laugh anywhere, anytime and on any device.”

Will Ferrell and longtime creative partner Adam McKay launched Funny or Die, which already has its many mini-franchises within a franchise, most  notably “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.” Site's a hot one, because it has a significant amount of fresh and highly-polished content with top talent, etc. But you already know all this.

 Meanwhile, some intriguing new projects, including - good news - from one of TV's great producers, Steven Bochco: 

Lew Archer – Based on the title character from Ross McDonald’s popular novels, this project from The Closer creator James Duff and Close to Home creator Jim Leonard follows the sleuth many consider to be “the original P.I.” Executive Producers: James Duff, Jim Leonard (writer) and Steve N. White. Studio: Warner Horizon Television.

Tom Clancy’s Homeland Security – This event-based procedural written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and set in Tom Clancy’s world of espionage pits a select team of domestic intelligence operatives against enemies within and without, from narco-traffickers and nuclear terrorists to cyber-criminals and human smugglers. Executive Producers: Tom Clancy, Michael Ovitz, Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Chris George.

Untitled Steven Bochco Murder Mystery project – This suspenseful and intriguing crime drama will intimately dissect a single murder case over an entire season, from the commitment of the crime through the investigation, arrest and trial. Executive Producer: Steven Bochco (writer). Co-Executive Producer: Eric Lodal (writer).