Spike gets its own comedy series

Spike TV has ordered six episodes of Factory, a largely improvised comedy revolving around four small-town factory workers who'd rather do anything than work at their boring jobs, according to a Hollywood Reporter story. It will be the Guy Network's first original comedy series.

Set to premiere on June 29 at 10 p.m., Factory is directed, produced by, and stars Mitch Rouse (pictured), co-creator of Strangers With Candy, the short-lived TV series that ran from 1999-2000, as well as the 2005 prequel feature film by the same name.

Rouse has an interesting list of credits. In addition to numerous feature films, he played Dr. Ryan Gibson on According to Jim (come on, there must be someone out there who watches this show), Fireman #1 on Reno 911, and was a regular on Exit 57, a mid-1990s comedy-sketch show.

Also in the Factory's ensemble cast are Michael Coleman, Jay Leggett, and David Pasquesi. "Factory is a unique improvised comedy that captures the everyday lives of four regular guys," said Bill McGoldrick, VP of original programming at Spike. "The humor speaks directly to our viewers, and Mitch's sensibility is a perfect match for our brand."

Is anyone else visualizing these guys hitting the stage au natural and magically twirling their hats? No? Ok, just me and my gutter brain then. Hey, it could happen.