HBO has ordered a half-hour comedy pilot based on the life of comedian Mike Epps. Titled “The Unsuccessful Thug,” the single-camera series will chronicle Mr. Epps’ hapless criminal efforts before he found success as a stand-up comic.

The pilot is executive produced by Mr. Epps, Brad Kaaya, Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan. Mr. Epps has acted in films such as the “Friday” sequels, “All About the Benjamins” and “The Fighting Temptations.” His years as a struggling criminal have been fodder for his stand-up act.

HBO had no comment.

As recently reported, another HBO comedy project in the works is a half-hour program based on Jessica Cutler’s book “The Washingtonienne: A Novel,” a D.C.-based roman a clef about the author’s love life on the Beltway political scene. The pilot is executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker.