Caffeinated Clint
The new Michael J.Fox sitcom that sparked a social-net orgasm when word leaked on it last week? It’s landed at NBC, the home of Fox’s original calling-card, “Family Ties”.
The series, created by Sam Laybourne (”Cougar Town”) and Will Gluck (“Easy A”), has received a 22-episode series order for fall 2013 premiere.
The show has Fox playing a loose take on himself, a husband and father of three in New York City dealing with family, career, and challenges – including Parkinson’s Disease.
NBC won over the other nets because they agreed to greenlight the show for a full season right off-the-bat – pretty rare in this industry (though this is Michael J.Fox we’re talking about; one can envision the high numbers already). “From the moment we met with Michael to hear his unique point of view about this new show, we were completely captivated and on board,” NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt said. “He is utterly relatable, optimistic, and in a class by himself, and I have no doubt that the character he will create – and the vivid family characters surrounding him – will be both instantly recognizable and hilarious.”
Fox, who had a bloody hilarious guestie on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” last year, had spoken to ABC (“Spin City”) about doing a new show last development season. The interest was high in returning to the box, and on both sides, but a deal didn’t come together.
“We have all been such huge fans of Michaels and hoped one day he would return to television with his own show,” blurbs Jennifer Salke, President of NBC Entertainment. “He had us at hello with his warmth, humor and incredible charisma. The fact that he pitched us a show that was funny, heartwarming and personal was the icing on the cake! We are over the moon and thankful Michael, Will (Gluck) and Sam (Laybourne) will be a cornerstone of our NBC comedy brand.”
Gluck, who proved he knows how to tell a quick, punchy joke via his directing venture “Easy A” with Emma Stone, will direct the pilot.
