TV Land's New Original Sitcom "Happily Divorced" Starring Fran Drescher Starts Production on First Season

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TV Land announced today that production starts today on the network's new original sitcom, "Happily Divorced," starring and co-written by Fran Drescher ("The Nanny").  The show will debut on TV Land on Wednesday, June 15 at 10:30 pm ET/PT after new episodes of "Hot in Cleveland." "Happily Divorced" stars Drescher and acclaimed actors John Michael Higgins ("Best in Show"), Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris"), Rita Moreno ("OZ"), Robert Walden ("All The President's Men") and Valente Rodriguez ("George Lopez").

Drescher, twice nominated for both Golden Globe® and Emmy® Awards and also a New York Times best-selling author of Enter Whining & Cancer Schmancer, will co-write the show alongside her real life ex-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson.  Jacobson previously worked with Drescher as co-creator and writer on "The Nanny."

"Happily Divorced" is inspired by Fran Drescher's real life experience and follows Los Angeles florist Fran (Drescher) whose 18-year marriage ends suddenly when her husband (Higgins) announces he's gay.  And if that weren't enough, he can't afford to move out.  They figured out how to be "Happily Divorced," but her being single and his being gay, while living under one roof, is a whole other story.  The series also features Fran's best friend Judi (Arnold), her parents Dori and Glen (Moreno and Walden) and her flower delivery employee Cesar (Rodriguez).

"We are so excited to get started on production of 'Happily Divorced,'" said Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. "Fran is a comedic icon, and with the amazing cast and hilarious writing, our viewers are sure to embrace this addition to our original sitcom line-up." Keith Cox, executive vice president, development and original programming, TV Land, added, "Because 'Happily Divorced' focuses on entering into a new and uncharted stage in life, it's the perfect companion to 'Hot in Cleveland.'"

Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson are executive producers, and Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox will serve as executive producers for TV Land.

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SOURCE TV Land