'Odd Couple' Remake from Matthew Perry Receives CBS Pilot Order

Credit: NBC

Could Felix and Oscar finally be returning to the spotlight? It certainly looks that way, if the latest decision from CBS is any indication.

The network has given the greenlight to a pilot for the proposed remake of The Odd Couple starring Matthew Perry. The project will be based on the iconic Neil Simon play about two mismatched roomies, and will feature Perry in the role of laid-back Oscar Madison. However, the co-lead role of perfectionist Felix Unger has not been cast just yet.

The Odd Couple will be a traditional, multi-cam sitcom as opposed to the single-cam style that's becoming all the rage on TV these days (not that I don't understand why it's so popular -- creative freedom and all that. But I love me a sitcom in the classic style). Perry will be very hands-on with the project, not only writing the half-hour pilot with Joe Keenan (Frasier, Desperate Housewives) but also executive producing alongside Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman. The project is looking to land a spot on the 2014-2015 CBS schedule. With Perry's involvement, I'd think the project has a better chance than most, even if he hasn't exactly had a hit in recent years. Perry is still a highly-visible TV star, and that means a lot in this shifting TV climate. Toss in the iconic work of Neil Simon, and this seems like a sure-thing for a pickup.

Via: Entertainment Weekly