WB picks up 'Harvey' skein for 5th season
Sitcom is network's highest-rated in households, adults 18-49
The Universal Studios Network Programming series received a 22-episode order from the WB, where it's the network's highest-rated sitcom in households and adults 18-49.
Series star Steve Harvey had signed a talent holding deal with CBS last fall to develop a half-hour sitcom. For the Eye, the WB renewal will probably delay any development with Harvey.
After next season, "Steve Harvey" will have produced 110 installments, making it the WB's fourth comedy -- after "Sister, Sister," "The Wayans Bros." and "Unhappily Ever After" -- with enough episodes for syndication.
"Reaching the 100th episode plateau is the most gratifying accomplishment in my television career," Harvey said.
Columbia TriStar Television Distribution holds the rights to sell the show's off-net run.
"Steve Harvey" stars the comedian as Steve Hightower, a one-time R&B star who becomes a high school music teacher and vice principal. Cedric "The Entertainer" co-stars as Steve's best friend.
Winifred Hervey and Stan Lathan serve as exec producers. Show took three nods at this year's NAACP Image Awards, including outstanding comedy series and outstanding actor in a comedy series (Harvey). "We are proud of 'The Steve Harvey Show,' which has garnered our highest comedy ratings the past two seasons and has won numerous prestigious awards during its four-year run," the WB Entertainment prexy Susanne Daniels said.
