In these tough economic times, networks are looking to the sitcom to boost both the American spirit and their ratings (not necessarily in that order). NBC one again rules as the comedic king of Thursday nights with a solid lineup consisting of “Community,” “Parks and Recreation,” “The Office,” and “30 Rock.” I’m reminded of NBC in the 90s, when Thursday nights featured “Frasier,” “Mad About You,” “Friends,” and “Seinfeld.” Comedy has always been NBC’s forte, so the network’s recent moves come as no surprise. Discounting “The Jay Leno Show,” NBC only airs comedy during primetime on Thursday. Given their success in that genre, the network has inked deals with Adam Carolla (“The Man Show”), Bill Oakley (“The Simpsons”), and Aaron McGruder (“Boondocks”).
The Carolla project will feature the comic as a contractor and father whose life is turned upside down when his wife leaves him. Carolla is set to exec produce the multicamera sitcom along with Kevin Hench, as well as Jimmy Kimmel, Daniel Kellison, Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun.
Comedian also knows a thing or two about being a contractor, having worked in the construction industry before his big break as a radio personality on radio station KROQ. Universal Media Studios is behind the project, along with Jackhole Industries and BermanBraun.
As for the Cheadle/McGruder comedy, project revolves around mismatched brothers who reunite to open a private security company.
Universal is producing, along with Cheadle’s Crescendo Prods. label (which includes partner Kay Lieberman). McGruder, who’s writing, is EP with Cheadle and Lieberman. Project has a script order at the Peacock.
For the Oakley project, scribe will exec produce along with Dave Bartis and Doug Liman. Laffer centers on the youngest judge in a circuit courthouse.
I don’t know where NBC is going to find room for these shows. Obviously, Thursday nights are out of the question. The network can try their hand at competing with the CBS comedies on Mondays or the ABC comedies on Wednesdays. I would say Tuesday nights, but “The Biggest Loser” already takes up the two-hour block.
