CBS greenlights pair
Network to offer new medical drama, comedy
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The Eye has given a greenlight to "Worst Week," a half-hour single-camera laffer based on the British format "The Worst Week of My Life." Matt Tarses ("Scrubs") is writing and will exec produce, with Marc Buckland ("My Name Is Earl") aboard to direct and exec produce via Universal Media Studios and Hat Trick Prods. Jimmy Mulville is also exec producing.
Universal Media Studios co-chair Ben Silverman suggested the deal with CBS wasn't a fluke, and hinted that-- in a shift-- the Peacock studio arm would be stepping up development of projects intended for non-NBC nets.
"This sale is a clear indication that we are supplying other media outlets and that Universal Media Studios is open for business," he said. "And Universal Media Studios is going to become an even bigger supplier."
In a sign of the Eye's commitment, Universal said the net has bought four scripts for the show on top of the pilot order.
"Worst Week" will tell the story of a young couple who have to navigate the politics of dealing with their soon-to-be in-laws. Fox developed its own take on the format during the 2005-06 development season.
Summer is usually a slow time for the nets, but with a strike looming, broadcasters seem to be making an unusually large number of preemptive buys in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the Eye has confirmed it's developing an hourlong medical drama from "Talk to Me" helmer Kasi Lemmons and "Grey's Anatomy" exec producer Mark Gordon.
Untitled project revolves around a Bellevue psychiatric neurologist who's also a crisis manager. As calm as she is professionally, she's a chaotic mess at home.
Lemmons -- who also wrote and directed the feature "Eve's Bayou" -- will write, produce and direct the hour, with Gordon and Deborah Spera exec producing via their ABC Studio-based shingle, the Mark Gordon Co.
CBS has purchased a script for the project, but given the talent involved, it will no doubt be a high priority for the net.
