THE CURRENT SEASON
All you SIMPSONS fans can now relax and get back to sitting on the couch. Fox has announced that the landmark show has been renewed for two more seasons. The show’s future had been up in the air this week thanks to Fox asking the voice actors to take a 45 percent pay cut. The renewal will make THE SIMPSONS the longest running scripted show of all time.
It looks like HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN is off to a rough start. CBS moved the show to Saturday nights today after a disappointing first two airings, with workhorse comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT taking its place on Thursdays. While the show is yet to be officially cancelled, production will be shut down after only 9 episodes.
THE DEVELOPMENT SEASON
Deadline reports USA Network has purchased a one-hour pilot from WHITE COLLAR creator Jeff Eastin. The currently untitled drama revolves around government agents from different departments all living together undercover. You know, like THE REAL WORLD.
Rhea Perlman has closed a deal with ABC for a multi-camera comedy that will reunite her with CHEERS co-star Kristie Alley. The project, THE MANZANIS, was written by Marco Pennette and Dave Flebotte and revolves around an Italian American family that moves to New Jersey. Perlman will fill the role of mother-in-law, which sounds right up her alley. Pun intended.
Kate Robin and Jake Kasdan have sold a drama project to Fox. The project follows the lives of female secret service agents who protect the First Lady. Robin was a writer-producer on SIX FEET UNDER; Kasdan has been busy as an executive producer on Fox’s newest hit, NEW GIRL. This is the third Kasdan project set up this development season.
ABC is trying its hand at developing the British dark comedy SUBURBAN SHOOTOUT. Hopefully ABC will have more luck with it than HBO, which took a shot at it back in 2008. Byron Balasco will adapt the now hour-long show about a woman who moves from the city to the suburbs and must employ unique tactics in order to do so successfully.
Joe Kelly, co-executive producer of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, has sold a half-hour buddy comedy to Fox. The previously titled UNCLE A-HOLE tells the story of a guy and his sister’s son (hence the name). Kelly joins quite a list of HIMYM alumni to set up projects this development season; creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas have their own new Fox sitcom in the works as well.
The team behind SUPER TROOPERS, Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme, are trying their hand at television. NBC has picked up the comedy KEPT MEN from the duo. The project revolves around two men who lose their jobs and must rely on their wives for financial support. Hefferman and Lemme will co-star in addition to writing. We don’t know whether the project will be single-or multi-camera, but we do know this: It will be awesome.
