Amazon to stream British romantic comedy series 'Catastrophe'

SEATTLE, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Amazon Studios says it will add the London-set sitcom Catastrophe to its Prime Instant Video lineup this spring.

Written by and co-starring U.S. comedian and author Rob Delaney and actress Sharon Horgan, the series is a half-hour comedy about an Irish woman and American man struggling to start a relationship "after their clumsy lust leads to pregnancy," a synopsis said.

Co-starring Carrie Fisher and Ashley Jensen, the show is already a critical hit in the United Kingdom. Amazon Prime will be the exclusive U.S. home for the program, which will be available on the British edition of Prime Instant Video later this year.

"Rob and Sharon have created an engaging, contemporary, funny and moving story," Roy Price, vice president of Amazon Studios, said in a statement Thursday. "We are excited to bring Catastrophe exclusively to our Amazon Prime customers and can't wait to hear what they think of the series."

"We are delighted to be working with Amazon Studios, whose programming is rapidly proving to be some of the most original television currently being produced," added Jon Thoday, joint managing director of Avalon Television.

Catastrophe is produced by Jack Bayles and directed by Ben Taylor. Executive producers include Richard Allen-Turner, Kara Baker, Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan and Jon Thoday.