Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: ABC is bringing Ellen DeGeneres and Alex Herschlag back into the fold, outbidding NBC for a single-camera comedy project written by former Ellen writer Herschlag and executive produced by the star of the 1990s ABC comedy. The project, from Warner Bros TV and DeGeneres’ studio-based production company A Very Good Production, has received a script commitment plus penalty. Titled Weitz & Wong, it is a multi-generational family comedy about a mixed race Jewish-Chinese couple and their two children trying to create their own identity in the face of their very different extended families. The premise is inspired by the real-life experiences of Herschlag’s brother. Herschlag, DeGeneres and A Very Good Production president Lauren Corrao are executive producing. This marks the second major sale this season for ICM-repped A Very Good Production. Last month, an adult sibling comedy starring Portia de Rossi sparked a 4-way bidding war, ultimately landing at NBC with a put pilot commitment. Herschlag and DeGeneres have a long history together. Ellen was the first TV series Herschlag worked on. He has written material for DeGeneres’ standup as well as for her Oscar, Emmy and Grammy hosting stints. Herschlag, repped by the Rothman Brecher Agency, also served as executive producer/co-showurunner on Will & Grace and recently worked as a consulting producer on Modern Family and Hot In Cleveland.

 

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.