Chris Estrada’s New Comedy Series “Forklift” Set to Shine on NBC
Comedian Chris Estrada, known for his role in the Hulu series This Fool, is stepping into a new chapter of his career with the development of Forklift, a single-camera warehouse comedy set to debut on NBC. The show will not only feature Estrada as its headliner but also as a co-writer and executive producer. This marks a significant milestone in Estrada’s journey from standup comedian to television creator.
The series is being developed by Good Walk, the production company founded by former top Comedy Central executives Kent Alterman and Sarah Babineau. They left Comedy Central following the Viacom-CBS merger and have since launched their own venture, which is now backing Forklift. Alongside Estrada and Cisario, the executive producers include Jordan Tilzer, while Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, serves as the studio behind the project.
A Story Rooted in Real Life
Forklift tells the story of Victor, played by Estrada, a forklift driver who gets promoted to warehouse supervisor. However, this promotion brings unexpected challenges as his friends and coworkers shift from seeing him as a brother to viewing him as part of “Big Brother.” The series draws inspiration from Estrada’s own experiences working in a warehouse before he gained recognition for his comedic work.
Estrada was still employed at his warehouse job when he received the news that Hulu had picked up This Fool for development. This real-life background adds authenticity to the narrative, making it relatable to audiences who may have experienced similar workplace dynamics.
A Growing Career in Comedy
Estrada has been steadily building his reputation as a touring comedian and writer. He previously worked with Comedy Central during the tenure of Kent Alterman and Sarah Babineau, appearing in standup specials. His work on This Fool earned him a place in the comedy scene, where the show ran for two seasons.
In addition to his work on This Fool, Estrada has made guest appearances on the NBC/Universal sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez. He also co-wrote and starred in the short film 5th of July, which was an Official Selection at the LA Film Festival and NY Latino Film Festival. He will soon be seen in the upcoming Neon feature Wrong Girls, starring alongside Kristen Stewart, Seth Rogen, and Lakeith Stanfield.
Estrada is represented by UTA, El Centro Management, and Yorn Levine, further solidifying his position in the entertainment industry.
Rick Cisario’s Contributions
Rick Cisario, the co-writer of Forklift, is another key figure in the project. He has written the upcoming feature Old Pals, which stars Brian Cox, Henry Winkler, Emma Roberts, and Evan Rachel Wood. Cisario’s screenplay Supported made the 2024 Blacklist’s Disability list, showcasing his talent and commitment to diverse storytelling.
Cisario is represented by Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes, a reputable management firm in the entertainment industry.
Good Walk’s Expanding Portfolio
Good Walk, the production company behind Forklift, has several other projects in the works. The company recently secured a first-look deal with FX and has been involved in sales across various studios and platforms. This expansion highlights the growing influence of Alterman and Babineau in the television landscape.
As the comedy genre continues to evolve, shows like Forklift are helping to bring fresh perspectives and stories to the forefront. With Estrada’s unique voice and the support of seasoned industry professionals, the series is poised to make a lasting impact on viewers.
