A new TV show based around the songs in Billy Joel‘s catalogue is currently in the works. MGM Television is teaming with Universal Music Publishing Group to create a scripted “arc-thology” called Scenes From An Italian Restaurant. The project, which will be pitched to potential outlets, marks the first time the “Piano Man’s” entire catalogue has been licensed for a TV series.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The show, which takes its title from Joel’s favorite song of his, will see each episode based on lyrics of his hits and populated by characters from his songs, including ‘The Stranger,’ ‘The Piano Man,’ and ‘Mamma Leone’ and ‘Sgt. O’Leary’ (from ‘Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).’) The tracks will be reimagined and rearranged by Joel’s music team — with his input — and take his tunes in new directions.”
MGM TV president of development and production Steve Stark said, “Billy Joel is a beautiful storyteller, and it just so happens that his stories are accompanied alongside remarkable songs. This series is going to focus less on Billy’s life and more on the stories inside his catalog of classic songs.”
