Inside moves
Macpherson to make new 'Friends'; Newberger to command 'Grown Ups'
Supermodel Elle Macpherson has been recruited to appear on the hit NBC laffer for a multi-episode storyline set to unfold during the November sweeps. She won't be playing herself, however.
Instead, Macpherson is set to appear as Joey's new roommate -- a scenario that would seem to suggest some possible romantic sparks. As "Friends" followers know, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is losing longtime roomie Chandler (Matthew Perry) to the latter's new flame, Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette).
Supermodels have turned into the latest must-have accessories for sitcom producers. Last season, Heidi Klum made several appearances on ABC's "Spin City," while Rebecca Romijn-Stamos has made frequent visits to the Peacock's "Just Shoot Me."
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UPN's frosh laffer "Grown Ups," recently picked up for a full season, has a new showrunner: Rick Newberger ("Dave's World.")
Newberger steps in for series creators and former exec producers Jonathan Prince and Bob Moloney. Both UPN and Col TriStar, the show's producers, were looking to take the show in a slightly different creative direction, according to sources familiar with the change.
John Ufland and Neil Sterns of Don Buchwald & Associates rep Newberger.
