Created by Armando Iannucci of Veep, Avenue 5 which premieres same time as the U.S. on 20 January at 11am on HBO and HBO GO, is set 40 years in the future when traveling the solar system is no longer the stuff of sci-fi fantasy, but a booming, multibillion-dollar business.
The series stars Hugh Laurie as Ryan Clark, the confident and suave captain of “Avenue 5,” a space cruise ship with luxury amenities like gourmet buffets, a spa, an observation deck and yoga classes. As the series begins, Avenue 5’s eight-week journey around Saturn is underway and its systems are optimal. But when the ship suddenly encounters technical difficulties, it’s up to Ryan and his crew to calm the disgruntled passengers and find a way to deal with unexpected events onboard – though they may or may not be equipped for the task.
The cast includes Hugh Laurie (Emmy nominee for Veep, Golden Globe winner for House M.D.); Josh Gad (Murder on the Orient Express), Zach Woods (HBO’s Silicon Valley”, Rebecca Front (Poldark, BAFTA winner for The Thick of It), Suzy Nakamura (Dr. Ken), Lenora Crichlow (Being Human), Nikki Amuka-Bird (CINEMAX’s Quarry) and Ethan Phillips (Inside Llewyn Davis).
Created by Armando Iannucci; teleplay by Armando Iannucci, Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche; story by Armando Iannucci; executive producers, Armando Iannucci, Kevin Loader, Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, Will Smith; co-executive producer, Peter Fellows; produced by Steve Clark-Hall.