Reims runs ABC's 'Brian'

Scribe inks deal with Touchstone Television

By JOSEF ADALIAN

Former "Felicity" scribe Josh Reims is reuniting with J.J. Abrams, coming aboard as showrunner of the Abrams-produced "What About Brian."

In addition, Reims has inked a two-year, seven-figure overall deal with Touchstone Television, the studio behind "Brian." Pact covers Reims' services as showrunner-exec producer of the show along with his future development.

"Brian" bowed on ABC last spring, running for just a few weeks before the Alphabet renewed it for a second season. Abrams, Bryan Burk and Dana Stevens remain exec producers of the show.

Reims was most recently co-exec producer of "Everwood," the WB drama that ended its run last month as part of the Frog's fade to black. Before that, the Endeavor-repped writer spent two seasons on NBC's "American Dreams."

Morgan Wandell, senior VP of drama development for Touchstone, called Reims "a terrific talent with fantastic story sense."

Reims spent three seasons on the Abrams co-created "Felicity," working his way up to co-exec producer. He began his TV writing career on "Chicago Hope."