Ellen DeGeneres Developing Lesbian-Themed Sitcom for NBC

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Ellen DeGeneres made waves sixteen years when she came out on her ABC sitcom. However, the star hasn't returned to sitcoms since Ellen was canceled in 1998. But the comedian is getting back into the game at NBC.

DeGeneres is developing a multi-camera comedy centered on "a lesbian and her straight male best friend who get pregnant just as he meets and marries the love of his life." The untitled project will be executive produced by DeGeneres and openly gay comedian Liz Feldman, who will co-write the series. Feldman previously worked for two years on Ellen's hit talk show and even wrote material for the comedian’s first stint as Oscar host. No word on if she'll return to write for DeGeneres when she hosts the 86th Academy Awards on March 2, but both comedians clearly have their plates full already with this project. As for the sitcom, the show will be produced by A Very Good Production, whose very own Jeff Kleeman will serve as the third executive producer.

Of course, the downside is that NBC hasn't had a successful gay-themed comedy since Will & Grace. The network has certainly tried, but The New Normal flopped last season, and Sean Saves the World isn't exactly delivering the kind of ratings NBC has expected. But that certainly doesn't mean the show doesn't have an audience, particularly given DeGeneres' popularity. While she isn't expected to star in this series, and it remains uncertain just what level of involvement she'll have at a creative level, one would expect the show would retain her comedic sensibilities. Even though the premise is a bit rote, the show certainly has the potential to actually be something for NBC.

What do you think? Is this a series you'd be interested in watching? Sound off in the comments!

Via: Deadline