'Old Christine' creator inks WBTV deal

Kari Lizer to develop projects for WBTV under new pact

By Nellie Andreeva

Nov 11, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

"The New Adventures of Old Christine" creator Kari Lizer has inked a rich new overall deal with the show's producer, Warner Bros. Television.

Under the three-year pact, said to be in the high seven figures, Lizer will focus on developing projects for the studio.

Additionally, she will continue as executive producer/showrunner on "Christine" should the comedy series starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus be picked up for a sixth season.

For the past two seasons, "Christine," which was assigned the tough job of opening a second comedy night for CBS on Wednesday, was on the bubble at the Eye but ultimately given last-minute renewals.

Both years, ABC had offered to step in and pick up the series, which earned Louis-Dreyfus an Emmy for playing harried divorced mom Christine Campbell.

Following its most recent renewal by CBS in May, "Christine" hit a milestone, with broadcast and cable syndication sales to Lifetime and a number of station groups, including Tribune and Weigel.

Lizer began collaborating with WBTV during the 2004-05 development season when the studio produced two comedy pilots written by her, "Christine" and "True" for the WB network.

She previously spent four years on NBC's "Will & Grace" as a co-executive producer.

Lizer is repped by Vision Art's Scott Schwartz and attorney Robert Getman.

'Old Christine' creator inks WBTV deal

Kari Lizer to develop projects for WBTV under new pact

By Nellie Andreeva

Nov 11, 2009, 11:00 PM ET