'Family' man stays in fold
Fox locks up Sheridan
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Deal comes as Sheridan finishes production on his untitled NBC comedy pilot.
Sheridan will work full-time on the Peacock project, which stars Craig Bierko, Eddie McClintock and Cloris Leachman, if it's picked up to series next month. If not, he'll return to "Family Guy," where he serves as showrunner alongside series creator Seth MacFarlane and David Goodman.
Dana Walden, prexy of 20th Century Fox TV, said Sheridan has been "very savvy about how he conducts himself in terms" of balancing development of his pilot and working on "Family Guy."
"We bring very talented, high-profile writers like Chris into the fold with the understanding that initially they'll service our existing series, and when the time is right, we'll turn the focus on development and prioritize that part of the deal," Walden said.
Exec described Sheridan as "a utility player" for the studio who also possesses "an original voice."
Sheridan has been based at 20th for eight years, working on the original run of "Family Guy" as well as 20th-produced laffers "Yes, Dear" and "Titus." He said the studio's current development team is the best he's worked with during his tenure at 20th.
"Gary (Newman) and Dana will fight for a writer's vision as hard as anyone else in town," he told Daily Variety.
Sheridan recently inked with Endeavor for representation in all areas.
