Netflix is investing in Leanne Morgan.
The streamer has handed out a 16-episode, straight-to-series order for an untitled multicamera comedy starring the stand-up comedian. Comedy kingpin Chuck Lorre (Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men) co-created the series alongside Morgan and Susan McMartin.
Netflix says the untitled comedy revolves around Leanne, whose life “takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity and Jell-o salad.”
Morgan broke out thanks in large part to her 2023 Netflix stand-up special I’m Every Woman, which reached the top 10 comedy specials on the streamer. The Tennessee native has been in the comedy industry for 25 years and started out playing local comedy clubs before rising to stardom with her Netflix special. She next will appear in the Amazon feature film You’re Cordially Invited, opposite Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon.
“I’ve dreamed of this since childhood, and I can’t believe it has come true! When I started comedy 25 years ago, my goal was to be a part of a sitcom,” she said. “It just goes to show you it’s never too late, and dreams do come true. I’m a grandmama from Tennessee, and now I have a TV show with Chuck Lorre and Netflix. What in the world!?”
The series hails from Warner Bros. Television, where Lorre and his Chuck Lorre Productions banner has been based for decades with an overall deal. The Morgan vehicle marks the latest collaboration for Lorre with Netflix, following Disjointed and The Kominsky Method. The prolific writer-producer is saying farewell to CBS comedies Young Sheldon and Bob Hearts Abishola this season and has already landed a spinoff of the former at the network for next season. Additionally, his Max comedy Bookie has been renewed for a second season and he’s also prepping another offshoot of Big Bang Theory, reportedly also for the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed platform.
“If you’ve seen even ten seconds of Leanne Morgan’s stand-up then you know what a unique comedic force she is,” Lorre said. “The theme of starting over is universal, and I cannot think of anyone better to combine heart and comedy than Leanne. I knew I had to work with her, and I’m so excited to bring this story to Netflix.”
The Morgan comedy gives the streamer a big, broad comedy at a time when Netflix is looking for programming that can appeal to a wide swath of subscribers. Lorre co-created Big Bang Theory, which ranks as television’s longest-running multicamera comedy in history. Netflix’s track record with multicams includes Fuller House, The Ranch, One Day at a Time, Lorre’s Disjointed and scores of others.
“We’re so thrilled to deepen our partnership with Leanne Morgan, whose singular and hilarious voice hooked viewers with her debut Netflix special last year, and to reunite with the legendary Chuck Lorre. We’re looking forward to their collaboration on Netflix’s next big comedy series,” said Netflix head of comedy Tracey Pakosta.
Morgan is repped by UTA, Levity and Gregg Gellman and Cary Dobkin. Lorre is with UTA.
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