The first lengthy trailer of Showtime's new series "Episodes" has been released to reveal the awkwardness that comes with casting Matt LeBlanc. The former "Friends" actor stars as himself in the hilarious new comedy series about remaking a comedy series.

When husband and wife writing team Sean and Beverly set out to reproduce their British TV hit for an American network, all of their worst fears come true as Hollywood lives up to its reputation for absurdity. Not only does the network cast Matt LeBlanc in the starring role, but Matt takes the lead in deviously twisting their beloved series into a terrible cliche, while testing the couple's marriage with diversions and temptations.

Starring as the British couple are Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan. Showtime will debut the half-hour comedy on January 9 at 9.30/8.30c.

"It was a little strange [playing myself], because some of the things [Matt] does [on the show] are not so nice, but there's my name [out there, and I'm like,] 'Wait a minute, I wouldn't do that!' So it was a little bizarre, but all in all it was fun," LeBlanc said about the challenge of starring as himself.