Showtime is getting into business with

Matthew Perry and Peter Tolan with “The End of Steve,” a dark comedy that the duo are writing and executive producing.

The pay cable network has given a pilot commitment with a substantial penalty to the half-hour project, which is from Sony Pictures TV. Perry also will star as the title character, an egomaniacal local talk show host who is on a reluctant path to redemption. 

The project marks Showtime’s first collaboration with Perry and Tolan as well as Perry’s first project with Sony. Tolan, meanwhile, co-created and executive produces the FX drama “Rescue Me” for Sony and will continue in that capacity as well. 

“Tolan and Perry, a twisted match made in heaven!” Showtime president of entertainment Robert Greenblatt said. “I’ve been trying to get into business with Peter Tolan for literally 20 years, so my persistence finally paid off. And I couldn’t be happier than to have him co-creating this bitingly funny character with Matthew Perry, who seems born to play this character better than anyone I can think of.”

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