Dana Carvey set to return to television on USA’s ‘First Impressions’

Storied “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Dana Carvey, best known for his scathingly accurate celebrity impressions, is returning to television courtesy of a new competition series greenlit by USA titled “First Impressions.”

The unscripted comedy will feature America’s best up-and-coming impressionists facing off to see who can pull off the best celebrity impression. Viewers at home will be able to cast votes and help crown a winner.

Carvey will serve as the “expert-in-residence,” available for on-the-spot mentoring of contestants as well as participating in game play.

Produced by Renegade 83 and Gaspin Media, Jeff Gaspin, David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe all serve as executive producers, alongside Carvey.

“There are so many great impressionists and ‘First Impressions’ gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents. Besides, I’ve always enjoyed watching an impressionist nail somebody ... as in capture their voice. Now I get paid to watch,” Carvey cheekily commented in the statement issued by USA.

Jackie de Crinis, executive vice president of original programming at USA, shared his excitement at Carvey joining the network’s comedy offerings: “There is no better talent to mentor these contestants than the master of impressions, Dana Carvey. The expertise and humor that he will bring to the series is unsurpassed and we can’t wait to have his world famous celebrity impersonations on our network.”

“First Impressions” joins familial reality show “Chrisley Knows Best” and upcoming satire “Donny!” on USA’s slate of unusual comedy offerings.

Though there’s no information available on when Carvey’s new series might begin, “Chrisley” is set to return for the second half of season three on Nov. 10, immediately followed by the series premiere of “Donny!”

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