Halifax sketch comedy troupe Picnicface have successfully jumped from YouTube to TV.

The Comedy Network has ordered 13 half-hour episodes of a new sketch comedy series from Breakthrough Entertainment.

The fast-paced series, to shoot in Halifax from spring 2011, continues a trend at Breakthrough of pairing upcoming comedy talent with an experienced show-runner.

In this case, Mark McKinney will executive produce and stick-handle Picnicface, which recently wrapped production on a feature comedy, Roller Town, in Halifax, with Bill Niven and Jay Dahl producing.

The eight-person sketch troupe consists of Andrew Bush, Kyle Dooley, Cheryl Hann, Mark Little, Brian MacQuarrie, Evany Rosen, Scott Vrooman and Bill Wood.

Besides becoming a YouTube sensation, Picnicface in 2007 posted their first video shorts on Will Ferrell’s comedy website, funnyordie.com, and secured an online shout-out from the Hollywood comedic legend.

“Picnicface is the perfect multi-platform sketch comedy troupe for today’s audience,” explained Ira Levy, executive producer at Breakthrough Entertainment.

“They are outrageously funny performers who embody the spirit of Monty Python and Kids in the Hall. We’re thrilled that The Comedy Network has given them a television home,” he added.

Levy and Peter Williamson will produce the Picnicface series.