‘Anchorman 2’s’ David Koechner pitches pilot to NBC for new variety show

Is David Koechner ready to make a full-time return to a network that played an instrumental part earlier in his career? The “Saturday Night Live” alum has been more well-known as of late for appearing in movies like “Anchorman” and “Thank You Smoking” save for some occasional spots on “The Office,” but now the actor / improv mastermind could be coming back to NBC with a new variety show that features all sorts of great comedy entertainment … if it is picked up.

According to Deadline, Koechner is currently attached to both star and executive produce the show, which has received at least a pilot order at the network. He has been under a talent deal there for a couple of years, mostly because they were hoping to keep him around in a larger capacity beyond “The Office.” In a statement, he had the following to say about getting this far into the process of getting this show on the air:

“I am thrilled to be working with NBC to develop a dynamic hour of variety entertainment. I got my start working for NBC on Saturday Night Live, followed by a stint on The Office, and I’m happy to be back. As a husband and father of five, my vision is for us to create a show that engages everyone. I want it to make a mom, dad and grandmother laugh, while the 13- to 19-year-old stands behind the couch peeking over his iPhone, equally amused by the content.”

Koechner was last on NBC a couple of weeks ago for Paul Rudd’s edition of “Saturday Night Live,” where he reprised an old sketch with Will Ferrell in addition to singing “Afternoon Delight.” As to why in the world the network is suddenly so in love with variety shows (as they also have one that they are hoping to launch with Maya Rudolph), it’s because of the success of “SNL,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and to an extent “Hollywood Game Night” focusing on letting funny people be funny people. It’s been a while since there have been shows like this on the air, at least other than “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” so here’s to hoping that it works.