Treatment:

Peanut Hunt is an irreverent comedy that satirizes children’s public television.  The show follows both the onscreen and the behind-the-scenes interactions of the cast and crew of “Peanut Hunt”, a fictional PBS style children’s learning show that has been around for 30 years and is rumored to be on the verge of cancellation due to declining viewership and support. The show consists of short learning and “edutainment” segments hosted by different cast members.

Overall, Peanut Hunt has a tone similar to The Larry Sanders Show, Reno 911 and Curb Your Enthusiasm, utilizing improvisation within an overall structured storyline.

The main plot revolves around continuing efforts to revitalize “Peanut Hunt” and produce high quality weekly episodes.  These efforts invariably lead to conflict among and within the cast and the producers.  This conflict is offset by the shows level-headed producer Kristen, who is often the only voice of reason and experience in this highly dysfunctional group. Each episode of Peanut Hunt will follow the ongoing behind-the-scenes storylines while also highlighting clips from that week’s “show”. Like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show , the format allows for guest appearances from supposed former Peanut Hunt cast members and celebrity guests, while also following their interactions and eventual conflicts offstage.

Pilot Episode :

The pilot episode of Peanut Hunt introduces the characters and the concept of the show. In this first episode, the cast and crew are getting ready for a last-minute live 30th anniversary episode. They brainstorm, plan, argue over and deal with what the anniversary show should consist of, and how they will cope with being live for the first time. Kristen, the shows producer decides to bring children of alumni onto the set to show how Peanut Hunt is one big family. This is offset by squabbling among the cast and widely mixed reaction – Leah hates it and confronts the kids, berating them; Lori and Jack are open-arms and try to rally and cheer everyone on for the upcoming event. Ryan schemes to audition for an outside project. Jimmy, the former child star, is terrified of going live even though he’s the only one who has experience with it. Eddie keeps getting left out of opportunities and conversations. Intermixed are interviews about Peanut Hunt, its history and the upcoming anniversary show, as well as clips from the “show within the show” of “Peanut Hunt” including clips like “Everybody Count Your Holes” a well-intentioned song that’s a bit inappropriate. Ultimately, the show is pre-empted by the network and shelved to air "at a later date".