HBO Orders Two Seasons of Time-Travel Toon 'Merrick & Treves' From 'Archer' Trio
HBO has handed a two-season order to 'Merrick & Treves', a half-hour animated comedy from three 'Archer' veterans. A two-season order means two series are confirmed from the start, with no pilot made first to test the idea. Variety reported the commission on 13 October 2026.
The series centres on Queen Victoria's top-secret Royal Temporal Constabulary, a fictional police force with a brief that stretches across time. It follows a team of unlikely heroes who voyage back and forth through history. Their target is Jack the Ripper. The set-up blends Victorian-era intrigue with time travel and ensemble comedy, built to fit a half-hour slot.
The names behind it will be familiar to animation fans. Adam Reed created FX's 'Archer' and served as its executive producer, leading its creative direction. Casey Willis was an executive producer on the spy comedy, a senior role overseeing production. Lucky Yates was a principal voice actor on the show, playing scientist Dr Algernop Krieger and other parts.
On 'Merrick & Treves', Reed, Willis and Yates will work as co-creators and executive producers. That credit means they devised the show together and will run the production. They are joined by Joel Begleiter of TFC Productions, who will executive-produce. Kelly Wu will serve as co-executive producer, supporting the senior production team.
The trio have worked together before. Reed, Willis and Yates previously collaborated on 'Frisky Dingo', the animated series made for Adult Swim. That shared history connects the new HBO project to two earlier adult-animation titles with loyal followings.
'Archer' ran for 14 seasons and 145 episodes between 2009 and 2023 on FX and FXX. The run covered more than a decade on air. It won four Primetime Emmy Awards, including for outstanding animated program, according to the same report.
What makes this stand out is the commitment involved. A writers' room can plan across two series rather than waiting to learn if a second is approved. Animators, voice actors and crew get a longer runway to build the world.
The announcement covers the order, the premise and the production team. No transmission date or episode count was included in the report. For viewers, the next step is simply waiting for HBO to set a slot.
