‘House of Lies’: Showtime previews Don Cheadle's, Kristen Bell’s comedy early (video)

Showtime has released the premiere episode of its new comedy online. The series, starring Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell, is a look into the cut throat, ruthless world of corporate management consulting. The network describes “House of Lies” as a new dark comedy about all the screwed up ways big business is practiced these days. The series, based on the hit tell-all book from best-selling author Martin Kihn’ s book. It peels back the bull to reveal a world few know exists and fewer still have experienced. Cheadle plays Marty Kaan, the big-money earner at Galweather & Stearn, along with his hot, young team – The Pod – of big-balling power players – Jeannie (Kristen Bell), Clyde (Ben Schwartz) and Doug (Josh Lawson). Marty and The Pod’s work life is all first-class, top-shelf, black Am Ex, the best suites at the nicest hotels. Wild nights on the town servicing the clients are all in a day’s work. Marty is the ultimate power player and under his direction, this ruthless, pull-no-punches team is here to stick it to the man by beating the corporate suckers at their own game.

The show contrasts Marty’s wild business side with a more regular home life where he’s a parent dealing with issues of his relationship his business competitor ex-wife, dealing with his pre-teen son’s choice of creative expresssion and not seeing eye-to-eye with his own father (Glynn Turman) on how to raise his son.

Marty is very much like Ari Gold from “Entourage” without the interesting supporting characters.

The first episode was just okay for me, but as a huge fan of Cheadle’s and Bell’s, I’ll have to give the series a second look.

Check out the first episode of the series below. Showtime will do their annual free preview weekend beginning Friday, January 6th.

“House of Lies” is created and executive produced by Matthew Carnahan. Jessika Borsiczky, Stephen Hopkins and Don Cheadle also serve as executive producers.