Hit and 'Miss' as Hudis in, Thomas out

By Nellie Andreeva

July 26, 2007, ET

Rob Thomas has stepped down as executive producer/showrunner on ABC's single-camera midseason comedy "Miss/Guided" over creative differences.

20th Century Fox TV-based writer-producer Mark Hudis has been tapped to run the show, which 20th TV is producing with ABC Studios.

"Miss/Guided," which hails from Ashton Kutcher's Katalyst Prods., stars Judy Greer as an ugly duckling who returns to her alma mater as a guidance counselor.

Thomas came aboard the project following the cancellation of his critically acclaimed CW drama "Veronica Mars" in May.

"Miss/Guided" has since changed direction, going for a stronger comedic quotient, which led to Thomas' decision to leave, sources said.

Thomas is known for his work in the one-hour format, while Hudis has a strong sitcom background. Hudis worked on Fox's hit comedy "That '70s Show" for its eight-year run, rising through the ranks to executive producer.

"Miss/Guided" reunites him with " '70s" co-star Kutcher. Hudis and Kutcher are executive producing the new ABC comedy with director Todd Holland, Jason Goldberg and Karey Burke.

Writer Caroline Williams is a co-exec producer.

Thomas departed "Miss/Guided" just before the writers on the show were to convene to work on its six-episode order this week. He is segueing into a development deal with ABC Studios.

Meanwhile, writing on "Miss/Guided" is under way under Hudis.

Hit and 'Miss' as Hudis in, Thomas out

By Nellie Andreeva

July 26, 2007, ET