Robert Ben Garant raises $2.5 million for Weekly World News comedy series

Robert Ben Garant, co‑creator of the cult comedy “Reno 911!”, announced on Monday that he has secured $2.5 million to produce a full season of a new satirical series based on the defunct tabloid Weekly World News, with filming set to begin this fall in California. Garant will serve as co‑showrunner and executive producer alongside longtime collaborator Cathy Shim, another “Reno 911!” alum. The financing comes from a mix of private investors and a boutique production fund that specializes in independent comedy projects.

The move marks Garant’s first venture outside the traditional Hollywood studio system after three decades of work on network and streaming shows. He and Shim are betting that the freedom of independent financing will let them push the absurdist tone of Weekly World News—known for headlines like “Bat Boy Found Living in Cave”—without the constraints of network standards. The tabloid, which ceased print in 2007 and later relaunched as a digital brand, has a built‑in fan base that still shares its outlandish stories on social media. In recent years, creators have increasingly turned to independent funding to retain creative control, a trend accelerated by the rise of streaming platforms that are hungry for niche content.

The production will shoot on location in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, using a lean crew to keep costs down. Casting is still under wraps, but Garant hinted that several comedians who have appeared on “Reno 911!” and other sketch shows are being considered for cameo roles. The series is being shopped to streaming services, with a tentative delivery window in early 2025. Early reactions from industry insiders suggest the project could fill a gap for viewers seeking a blend of satire and slapstick that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

If the series lands a distribution deal, it could signal a shift toward more creator‑driven comedy projects that bypass the traditional studio pipeline. Success would validate independent financing as a viable path for high‑concept television, especially for brands with a cult following like Weekly World News. For now, Garant and Shim are focused on getting the scripts polished and the cameras rolling, hoping the $2.5 million budget will be enough to deliver a full season that lives up to the tabloid’s legendary absurdity.