Michael J. Fox Reveals Controversial Plot for New Comedy, NBC Picks up 22 Episodes.
We knew Michael J Fox had a comedy show in the works that the majors (networks) wanted, I just didn’t realize how much pull the Michael J Fox Brand had. NBC showed that they are not playing any games. They wanted in and didn’t hesitate to put up or Shut up!
What is Michael J Fox’s New Comedy About?
Up until last week, we had no idea. We just knew it was coming and generating a lot of buzz. We find out now that Fox will be playing a husband and father from New York with three kids. The twist, which comes with some controversy, is that Fox’s character will suffer from the same disease as Fox. He will have Parkinson’s disease and the show will bring light to the challenges that living with this ailment brings to someone juggling a marriage, parenting and a career.
NBC ordered 22 episodes without seeing a pilot.
NBC’s Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt explains why he felt that it was money well spent. It came down to simply, having a lot of confidence in the brand that is Michael J Fox. Greenblatt says,
“He (Fox) is utterly relatable, optimistic, and in a class by himself, and I have no doubt that the character he will create – and the vivid family characters surrounding him – will be both instantly recognizable and hilarious,”
I’m sure Greenblatt is an Alex P Keaton fan, or perhaps a Marty Mcfly fan, or even Spin City’s Mayor Mike Flaherty. Somewhere Greenblatt was charmed by a Fox character or all the Michael J. Fox characters, which has the NBC executive willing to commit without seeing a pilot or selecting a supporting cast. Let’s hope at age 51, Fox can pull off another character Greenblatt and more importantly America, can fall in love with.
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