David Alan Grier to Play Principal in CBS' 'Bad Teacher'

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier is heading to the principal's office.

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The former In Living Color star has been tapped to join CBS' adaptation of Bad Teacher, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

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Based on the 2011 Cameron Diaz feature film, the single-camera comedy revolves around Meredith, a foul-mouthed divorcee who becomes a teacher in order to find her next husband. Grier will portray the school principal, Carl Gaines, in the role portrayed by John Michael Higgins in the Columbia Pictures movie.

Principal Gaines is described as sweet and well meaning but clueless. He's easily duped by Meredith's charms and oblivious to her agenda in which she believes she has the best interests of the kids at heart. The recently divorced guy is living uncomfortably in an apartment where he's forced to do his own cooking. He's into yoga, crystals and the support group he created for people going through challenging times -- and still wears his Live Strong bracelet.

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Community's Hilary Winston will pen the script and executive produce the Sony Pictures Television comedy alongside Bad Teacher screenwriters Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. Sam Hansen and Jimmy Miller will also serve as executive producers.

In addition to In Living Color, Grier's credits include Comedy Central's Chocolate News, Crank Yankers and numerous features including Jumanji, The Woodsman, Stuart Little and the forthcoming Tyler Perry Presents Peeples. The Tony and Grammy nominee is repped by Innovative, ROAR and Ziffren Brittenham.  

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit