Kenya Barris is partnering with Alec Baldwin for a new sitcom, which just got a straight-to-series order at ABC.
The project is being developed as a possible starring vehicle for Baldwin, though the actor (who is also developing a talk show with the network) is said to be keeping his options open. Written by Barris and Grown-ish scribe Julie Bean, both of whom will also serve as showrunners, the show centers on an opinionated, aging TV star who has to move in with his liberal daughter, her girlfriend and their child.
All three principals are under overall deals at ABC Studios. Barris, whose Blackish continues to be broadcast TV’s most-lauded comedy, next launches spinoff Grown-ish. He has had several pilots in contention at ABC in recent years, but this is his first straight-to-series order. The network is eyeing it for next season.
ABC is already quite flush with family comedies. Though The Middle signs off at the end of this season, both Modern Family and The Goldbergs are already officially commissioned to return. The network also has had success with Black-ish, Fresh Off the Boat, American Housewife and Speechless.
Barris is repped by CAA, Principato Young and attorney Gregg Gellman Yorn. Baldwin is repped by CAA.
