ABC finalizes pact with Arnolds' Wapello
The non-exclusive, first-look agreement reportedly calls for at least three series, but won't prevent Tom Arnold from starring in a CBS series from producers Harry Thomason and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason.
In a statement, Arnold said he was "enthusiastic" about the new contract, adding, "Most importantly, it frees me to star in a series on CBS next season and does not tie the 'Roseanne' series to ABC beyond next season."
The Arnolds had implied that they'd pull "Roseanne" off ABC over cancellation of "The Jackie Thomas Show" but actually can't do that unilaterally. ABC still holds a first-refusal, first-negotiation position to extend its arrangement on "Roseanne" with the Carsey-Werner Co., which produces the series.
Now both CBS and ABC will have relationships with the Arnolds when renewal of the high-rated "Roseanne" comes up next year. Under their previous ABC deal, the Arnolds produced "Jackie Thomas," animated special "The Rosey and Buddy Show" and the movies "Backfield in Motion" and "The Woman Who Loved Elvis."
