Lifetime Television Picks Up Sherri Shepherd Comedy

Lifetime Studios to Produce 12 Episodes of SHERRI, All-New Original Series Starring Comedienne and Daytime Emmy(R) Award-Nominated Co-Host of THE VIEW

LOS ANGELES, May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Lifetime Television, the number one women’s network, has picked up 12 episodes of the all-new, multi-camera comedy series Sherri, starring comedienne and 2009 Daytime Emmy(R) Award-nominated co-host of The View Sherri Shepherd (30 Rock, Less Than Perfect). The program, to be produced in New York by Lifetime Studios, marks the first comedy series ever to be wholly owned by Lifetime. The announcement was made today by JoAnn Alfano, Executive Vice President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks.

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Sherri centers around a newly single mom, paralegal and part-time comedienne/actress who tries to get back into the dating scene and move on with her life after divorcing her cheating husband. Sherri finds solace and support among her girlfriends at the office while juggling her hectic life. Also starring in the series are Tammy Townsend (Lincoln Heights), Kali Rocha (Grey’s Anatomy), Elizabeth Regen (The Black Donnellys) and Kate Reinders (Ugly Betty). Terri Minsky (Less Than Perfect, Lizzie McGuire) has been named writer/executive producer of Sherri. The program will also be executive produced by Nina Wass and Gene Stein (Less Than Perfect), while Dave Flebotte (Desperate Housewives), who executive produced the pilot, will be a consultant. Shepherd, who will continue to co-host the hit ABC daytime talk show The View, will serve as a co-executive producer of Sherri. The comedy reunites Shepherd, Minsky, Wass and Stein, who last worked together on the ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect.

“I’ve been a big fan of Sherri’s for a long time and am thrilled to work with her again. She is one of the most gifted comedic actresses around, and we are very excited to have her on the Lifetime schedule,” said Alfano. “The best comedy originates from real-life experiences, and Sherri will take a hilarious, no-holds-barred look at life after marriage as only she can do.”

Alfano continued, “It is our goal to program contemporary and relatable comedies that reflect our brand and speak to today’s women. Sherri is the perfect complement to Rita Rocks and the off-net sitcoms How I Met Your Mother and Will & Grace.”

Sherri will join Lifetime’s family comedy Rita Rocks. Set to return for its second season in the fall, the series stars Nicole Sullivan as Rita Clements, an overworked wife and mother trying to find time for herself. Other comedies that currently air on Lifetime include the off-net acquisitions How I Met Your Mother, Reba, Will & Grace and Frasier.

This summer, Lifetime will roll-out a robust slate of original programming, beginning with the May 30 debut of the highly-anticipated miniseries Maneater, presented by Vaseline Aloe Fresh and based on Gigi Levangie Grazer’s New York Times best-selling novel. On June 7, Army Wives, 2008′s number one original drama on cable among W18-49 and the highest rated series in the Network’s history, will return for its third season. The new comedic drama Drop Dead Diva will debut on July 12; and on August 20, Lifetime will launch the sixth season of Project Runway, the highest-rated unscripted competition series on cable, and its all-new companion series, Models of the Runway.

ABOUT SHERRI SHEPHERD

Shepherd currently co-hosts the hit ABC daytime talk show The View alongside Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Last week, the program’s co-hosts were nominated for a 2009 Daytime Emmy(R) Award in the Talk Show Host category. In addition, she often guest stars as Tracy Morgan’s wife, Angie, on the critically acclaimed and award-winning 30 Rock.

For four years, Shepherd appeared on the ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect, following memorable guest spots on series including Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Joan of Arcadia, Suddenly Susan, The Jamie Foxx Show, Living Single and Emeril. Recently heard as the voice of Ben Stiller’s “lioness mother” in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Shepherd has enjoyed a film career highlighted by roles in Who’s Your Caddy?, Beauty Shop, Cellular and Guess Who. She will soon be seen opposite Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz and Paula Patton in the upcoming Precious (based on the novel Push by Sapphire) and Tyler Perry’s upcoming film (yet to be titled).

A beloved stand-up comic, Shepherd has performed at notable comedy clubs across the country, and she has released both a DVD and a CD of her act entitled No Refund, No Exchange.

ABOUT LIFETIME TELEVISION

Lifetime is a diverse, multi-media company, committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming that celebrates, entertains and supports women. Through its award-winning public affairs initiatives, the Company also advocates a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (which includes myLifetime.com, Lifetime Games, Roiworld.com, DressUpChallenge.com and MothersClick.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Photography is available at www.lifetimepress.com.

SOURCE Lifetime Television