NBC has ordered 22 episodes of a new family sitcom that will star Michael J. Fox in a loosely autobiographical role. The series, inspired by his own personal life, casts Fox as a husband and father in New York raising three children in the face of many challenges—including Parkinson’s disease. Fox is a father of four, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991.
According to TVLine, several major networks were locked in a bidding war for the as-of-yet untitled sitcom, which was ordered by NBC without the need for a pilot.
The single-camera sitcom co-created by Will Gluck (The Loop) and Sam Laybourne (Cougar Town, Arrested Development) is slated to premiere in NBC’s Fall 2013 lineup. The new series marks Fox’s first starring role on TV since he left Spin City in 2000, and will be a homecoming of sorts for Fox, who starred in Family Ties on the same network three decades ago.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt welcomed the five-time Emmy Award winner back to the network in a statement:
“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.”
Fox also showed eagerness to begin the new partnership, adding:
“I’m extremely pleased to be back at NBC with a great creative team and a great show. Bob Greenblatt and all the folks at the network have given me a warm welcome home, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Michael J. Fox left Spin City in 2000 in the face of worsening symptoms of Parkinson’s. It’s great to see him back in the spotlight, and I hope his latest project lives up to the hype.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to the upcoming show? Let us know in the comments.
