Cheslea Handler to star in E! comedy series

Chelsea Handler, host of E!'s late-night talk show "Chelsea Lately," has signed on to star in a half-hour comedy for the network, Variety reported.

"After Lately," which is said to be in the same vein as HBO's "The Larry Sanders Show," will focus on the backstage goings-on at "Chelsea Lately." The show will reportedly be semi-improvised based on story outlines, as with HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Eight episodes have been ordered, with production set to begin in a few weeks. No premiere date has been set for the series, which is being produced by Handler's Borderline Amazing Prods.

Handler has hosted "Chelsea Lately" since 2007 and recently hosted MTV's Video Music Awards.