August 21st, 2012
10:23 AM ET
Michael J. Fox returns to NBC with new comedyArt will soon imitate life for Michael J. Fox, as the actor's set to star in a new 22-episode comedy series on NBC that'll have a personal spin. The as-yet-untitled show will see Fox portray a husband and father of three dealing with Parkinson's disease in addition to family and career challenges inspired by the actor's life, NBC said in a statement.
President of NBC Entertainment, Jennifer Salke, said Fox "had us at hello," adding that his pitch for a show that's "funny, heartwarming and personal was the icing on the cake." This new comedy not only marks Fox's return to being a regular on series television, but also a homecoming of sorts for the 51-year-old - he also starred in NBC's classic '80s sitcom "Family Ties" as Alex P. Keaton. “To bring Michael J. Fox back to NBC is a supreme honor and we are thrilled that one of the great comedic television stars is coming home again,” said NBC's Chairman of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt. “I have no doubt that the character he will create – and the vivid family characters surrounding him – will be both instantly recognizable and hilarious.” Additional casting will be announced at a later date, but NBC has confirmed that "Easy A" and "Friends with Benefits" director Will Gluck is on board as an executive producer and co-creator, along with Sam Laybourne ("Arrested Development" and "Cougar Town"). Gluck will also direct the pilot for the series, which is expected to bow in the fall of 2013. Fox said in the statement from NBC that he's “extremely pleased to be back at NBC with a great creative team and a great show ... all the folks at the network have given me a warm welcome home, and I'm excited to get to work.”
« Previous entryWhile you were working ...
 |
  About this blog
Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.  |
This is a terrible idea of a show and it'll just end up as a pity party for Fox. I don't want to see a comedy about someone dealing with advanced stage Parkinson's Disease. You all know that all of the scenes will just have him standing in one place or sitting down so we don't see all of his movements. His voice is affected by the disease as well. This is really messed up. Let's add in a grandfather with Alzheimer's dementia. That'll be really hilarious.
who cares...michael is probably more fun then charlie
Who is Michael J. Fox? Is he related to Charlie Sheen? He kind of looks like him. Charlie doesn't shake as much, though.
happy to see you mike. can't wait for the show.
Rosie OD is a fat smelly pig.
THANK GOD YOU WILL NEVER MEET THIS FAT PIG MICHAEL.
Great News and the new show.....why not make a Back to the Future IV?? 🙂
Oh no! Does this mean he won't be guest starring on "The Good Wife"? He's so damn good as the snarky anti-hero to Will & Alicia.
He is very brve.
its true!. parkinson's is the worst. his body shaking was awful, he could not work and i'm sure he suffered sadness we could not even comprehend.
today there are different treatments that are working for him and others patients. his foundation has located medications that can control these awful tremors.
he's been sick since he's 39 years old, he deserves to have some fun and and go back to doing what he loves to do!
Actually he started showing systems when he was only 29 and was officially diagnosed when he was 30! But didn't come out publicly until 1998, when he was 37.
I will definitely watch this show. Fox you are truly amazing!
Greetings folks. Everyone is cordially invited to visit – thestarofkaduri.com
Michael is a very sick man, he has finally found the right combination of medications that are keeping his shakes to a minimum. He is a very humble, gracious man yet still has that fun personality and loves to make people laugh.
Michael..your fans have missed you, we're glad your better and can't wait to see you on television.
Creepy.
Welcome back Mr. Fox. I will watch your show and enjoy your humor and grace. It will be a gift to us all. We (well most of us) will learn from you. I admire you and I'm looking forward to having you make me laugh while educating me. Rock on my brother. Show us how it's done.
Welcome back Michael J. Fox, we missed you!
Instead of gettin jiggy he gets jiggly.
Its Shake and Bake and I helped.
I bet he can make a mean milkshake ! Shake it up baby, twist and shout ! He's from Shaker Heights and I think there was just a trembler.
My milkshake is better than yours...
oh boy...lol
Yeah, that sounds like something I'd say. Its below me to throw in a milkshake joke or something...
he'll be on top of his game again. i'll be there to watch also.
good come back for him. he loves to laugh and it will be a good jump for his career.
the guy is really a sweetie.
This will flop. Mark it down. No one wants to watch him as he awkwardly fumbles through his real life disease for laughs.
Just as well as you don't. You shouldn't be afraid if cerebrial shows........unless you are.
I am going to watch it.
He was great playing Webster and will be equally great on this. He is since guy.
a nice guy. Dang autocorrect.
Fox is a class act, and Parkinson's is definitely no picnic. I wish him the best with this. I am sure it will thrive given the amount of garbage on the air presently.
mike was never gay right?
He gots that hippy hippy shaaaake.
That's cold man. Just be thankful you're not afflicted with it.
i wish : ) cancer got me. : ) oh well. : ) still glad to be here trying to joke. : )
Well. Hasn't completely got me yet : )
Michael is the king of sitcom...now this i will watch!
He's so talented and funny..I 'm gald he's back
he worked on a few sitcoms that were successful, wish i could see more of him on tv.
I heard he is very popular at parties. They let him mix the drinks instead of using a blender.
glad to see him he looks great
I will definately be watching this- great ideas for his new show! Tracey Pollan should play his wife- and they should name her character Ellen! Like old times on Family Ties, which I grew up watching. I think it's great he is bringing such awareness to his condition.
i love michael j fox. i wish he were back on tv. he is a very funny actor
Me too. Did you see him in The Hunger Games. He was excellent as Rue. Pure talent.
I can not believe little Webster is 51 years old. That makes me realllly ancient.
He was so awesome on Webster. He has come a long way, baby.
I hope his dad is ok. He was working for PBS back in the 80s when Alex was in high school. Plus I sure hope Mallory isn't still dating that hoodlum looking boy. I always thought he was nothing but trouble – wearing a leather jacket and wanting to be an artiste.