Wed Oct 22, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger

Fox Finds Captain for 'Boldly Going'

New Sitcom has Familiar Premise

What if Star Trek was a half-hour sitcom focusing on the “lower decks” characters? That is apparently the premise for Boldly Going Nowhere, a new series from Fox. The Hollywood Reporter says newcomer Ben Koldyke has been approved as the lead, the starship’s rogue captain.  The series will also feature Tony Hale (Arrested Development) as the robot who has concluded he is superior to the ship’s human inhabitants.

The series was created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton, best known for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Koldyke had an unusual path to the center seat.  He was a fan of McElhenney’s work and saw the producer regularly breakfast at Venice’s Rose Café.  Impulsively, he paid the man’s check and had the waiter deliver a note that said, "Hey, man, I think your show is fantastic".

Days later, a Rose waiter pointed Koldyke out to the producer and they struck up a friendship. Ever since, Koldyke tried to find work as a writer, director or actor and was about to give up and return to the Midwest to resume his teaching career. Instead, he wound up meeting with the producers about joining them as a writer/director for the new sitcom.  As they discussed the show, it occurred to trio that Koldyke could actually be the lead.  He screen tested and passed network muster so received his commission.

"He came in and nailed it," McElhenney told the trade. "From Day 1, he was the guy to beat.

"We love the idea of finding talented people out there. The fact that Ben is unknown is great but irrelevant. We wanted the best guy for the lead and he was it."
 

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