FX orders 10-90 episodes for untitled sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer, Martin Lawrence

Who needs a title to receive a 10-episode order from FX with the hopes of 90 more to come, starring Martin Lawrence and Kelsey Grammer?

FX announced the 10/90 deal late Wednesday with Lionsgate Television and Debmar-Mercury. It’s the same deal responsible for FX’s Anger Management starring Charlie Sheen and its upcoming Saint George starring George Lopez. Meet pre-determined ratings goals during your first season, receive reward of additional 90 episodes.

No word yet on a title or a start date for the series that would bring two more comedic men of a certain age back into the sitcom fold. Lawrence hasn’t starred in small-screen work since his 1990s breakthrough for FOX, Martin; Grammer, meanwhile, had two short-lived sitcoms in Hank and Back to You, since his long-running work as Frasier Crane in Cheers and Frasier.

We do know that after seeing Lawrence and Grammer together on the new FX series as Chicago lawyers who meet cute and wind up in each other’s lives in and out of the courtrooms, the FX-Lionsgate deal already looks forward to selling syndication rights for fall 2017.

Quotes? We’ve got quotes, though!

“I am excited to be returning to TV and to be working with Kelsey,” said Lawrence. “We have a great time together so I am looking forward to making a good show with a lot of laughs.”

Grammer said, “Martin is arguably one of the funniest men alive and after some success in drama I thought it might be time to try my hand at comedy. I am thrilled to have this extraordinary team show me the ropes. All kidding aside, I don’t think a better bunch of talent exists; I am honored and blessed.”

“Pair two great actors and comedy legends with the executive producing team behind some of the most memorable sitcoms ever, mix in the outstanding team at FX and you have all of the ingredients for another TV classic,” commented Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Our 10/90 model is all about delivering brand names and concepts that will grab viewers instantly, having incredible creative auspices and a very supportive network. This sitcom surpasses our criteria on virtually every level.”

Lionsgate Television Group President Kevin Beggs added: “There was an immediate rapport between Kelsey and Martin from their very first meeting, and when Bob and Robert joined as showrunners, all the stars aligned in a very exciting way. We’re delighted that FX recognized the tremendous potential for this series and look forward to another great collaboration.”

And from Chuck Saftler, President of Program Strategy and COO, FX Networks: “With the merging of two comedic geniuses, as well as two legendary showrunners, we couldn’t have a stronger team on board for this show and can’t wait to get to work,” said Saftler. “We’re also thrilled to be continuing our relationship with the pros at Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury.”

Bob Boyett and Robert Horn will executive produce and write the show, with Grammer, Lawrence, Brian Sher, Stella Bulochnikov, Michael Green and Sam Maydew also on as executive producers. The series will be produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Grammnet NH Productions and You Go Boy Productions.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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