Roseanne Cooks Up Reality Gig for ABC
By Josef Adalian
October 18, 2002 03:23 AM ET
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) -- Five years after her landmark ABC comedy left the air, Roseanne is returning to the network -- but not the way you'd expect.
The feisty comic is set to star in an unscripted reality workplace comedy, which she'll also executive produce with documentary veteran R.J. Cutler ("American Candidate").
ABC is close to finalizing a 13-episode on-air commitment to the untitled -- and unconventional -- half-hour series, which is being eyed for a possible summer 2003 bow.
The deal is noteworthy not only because it represents the small screen comeback for Roseanne -- last seen in her own short-lived syndicated talk show -- but also because of her decision to set up the new show at ABC. Her battles with ABC's previous management are near-legend in Hollywood. But whatever ill will may have existed appears gone.
"I'm really, really excited to be back home at ABC," Roseanne said through a spokesman.
Roseanne came up with the idea for the project and later hooked up with Cutler via their common representatives at United Talent Agency. The duo then pitched to ABC and a couple of other networks.
While being careful not to give out too many specifics, Cutler said the show would be "the first reality comedy set in a workplace."
Just what that workplace will be is still being hammered out, though there's been talk of a cooking or talk show fronted by Roseanne.
"Without giving away too much, there are many layers to the concept of this show," Cutler said. "Roseanne has a strong vision of what the show will be, but we're still working out the details."
Cutler has been deluged with media inquiries and civilian interest since news broke last month of his FX reality series "American Candidate," which will mount a nationwide search for a potential 2004 presidential candidate. Cutler is also directing an indie picture about roots rocker Ryan Adams -- his first feature documentary since 1996's "A Perfect Candidate."
By Josef Adalian
October 18, 2002 03:23 AM ET
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) -- Five years after her landmark ABC comedy left the air, Roseanne is returning to the network -- but not the way you'd expect.
The feisty comic is set to star in an unscripted reality workplace comedy, which she'll also executive produce with documentary veteran R.J. Cutler ("American Candidate").
ABC is close to finalizing a 13-episode on-air commitment to the untitled -- and unconventional -- half-hour series, which is being eyed for a possible summer 2003 bow.
The deal is noteworthy not only because it represents the small screen comeback for Roseanne -- last seen in her own short-lived syndicated talk show -- but also because of her decision to set up the new show at ABC. Her battles with ABC's previous management are near-legend in Hollywood. But whatever ill will may have existed appears gone.
"I'm really, really excited to be back home at ABC," Roseanne said through a spokesman.
Roseanne came up with the idea for the project and later hooked up with Cutler via their common representatives at United Talent Agency. The duo then pitched to ABC and a couple of other networks.
While being careful not to give out too many specifics, Cutler said the show would be "the first reality comedy set in a workplace."
Just what that workplace will be is still being hammered out, though there's been talk of a cooking or talk show fronted by Roseanne.
"Without giving away too much, there are many layers to the concept of this show," Cutler said. "Roseanne has a strong vision of what the show will be, but we're still working out the details."
Cutler has been deluged with media inquiries and civilian interest since news broke last month of his FX reality series "American Candidate," which will mount a nationwide search for a potential 2004 presidential candidate. Cutler is also directing an indie picture about roots rocker Ryan Adams -- his first feature documentary since 1996's "A Perfect Candidate."