After years away from television, Martin Lawrence is poised for a return. The former Martin star has teamed with former Frasier star, Kelsey Grammer for oddball legal comedy that was just acquired by FX.
The untitled comedy, from Lionsgate Television and Debmar-Mercury, sees Grammer and Lawrence playing Chicago lawyers from vastly different backgrounds who unexpectedly meet in court on the worst day of their lives. Brought together by fate and greed, they develop a partnership and friendship, forcing one another to find the balance between the ethical and unscrupulous in their professional and personal lives.
“I am excited to be returning to TV and to be working with Kelsey,” Lawrence said. “We have a great time together so I am looking forward to making a good show with a lot of laughs.”
Added Grammer: “Martin is arguably one of the funniest men alive and after some success in drama I thought it might be time to try my hand at comedy. I am thrilled to have this extraordinary team show me the ropes. All kidding aside, I don’t think a better bunch of talent exists; I am honored and blessed.”
FX has acquired 10 episodes of the new show; if it hits a certain ratings thresholds with that first batch of episodes, 90 more automatically will be ordered.
The series will be produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Grammnet NH Productions and You Go Boy Productions.
The sale marks the third 10/90 acquisition by the News Corp.-owned cable network. FX began airing Charlie Sheen’s Anger Management in June 2012, and ordered a forthcoming George Lopez comedy, Saint George, less than a year later.
Grammer is a five-time Emmy winner for his work on comedies including Cheers and Frasier. Most recently, he starred for two seasons on the Starz drama Boss. Lawrence, meanwhile, stars in the Bad Boys and Big Momma’s House trilogy in addition to his sitcom, Martin, which ran from 1992-97 on Fox.
oh my goodness, this should be fun-ny!