Netflix orders sketch comedy series ‘The Characters’

Netflix is getting into the sketch comedy business.

The streaming giant announced Monday that it has ordered a series focused on comedians and the sketch personas they dream up in “Netflix Presents: The Characters.”

Each 30-minute installment of the show will feature an up-and-coming comedian who can do whatever he or she wants in that time allotment. The so-called “outlaw comedy,” as Netflix puts it, will translate to a variety of sketches that range from “Bachelor” parodies to biblical spoofs.

The eight comedians set to appear include Lauren Lapkus (“Orange Is the New Black”), Kate Berlant (“The Meltdown”), Dr. Brown (“Dr. Brown”), Paul W. Downs (“Broad City”), John Early (“Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp”), Tim Robinson (“Saturday Night Live”), Natasha Rothwell (“Saturday Night Live”) and Henry Zebrowski (“Heroes Reborn”).

The series, which builds on Netflix’s footprint in the comedy world, will feature cameos from “SNL’s” Cecily Strong and Bobby Moynihan, as well as Tyson Beckford and “Broad City’s” Abbi Jacobson.

A roll out date for the series has not yet been revealed.

I tweet about TV (and other things) here: @villarrealy

MORE:

Your grandfathered Netflix rate may be going up this year

Review: Trust Chelsea Handler to do what she does best in Netflix’s ‘Chelsea Does’

Netflix revival of ‘Gilmore Girls’ officially announced