Wondering where Lauren Graham, late of the CW's now-canceled Gilmore Girls, would turn up next? Look no further.The actress, who played the adorably motormouthed Lorelai Gilmore on the series from 2000 to 2007, has signed a seven-figure development deal with NBC.
The network will develop a series tailor-made for Graham who has, according to Variety, "been in demand at several nets and studios in part because of her perceived ability to topline either a comedy or drama project." NBC is already at work locating writing talent to pair with Graham as the development season ramps up.
Before headlining Gilmore Girls on the WB (and later CW), Graham had guest starred on a number of notable NBC comedies, including Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Caroline in the City, and NewsRadio, before starring in a number of doomed series (i.e., MYOB, Townies, Conrad Bloom, etc.), so she is no stranger to the Peacock.
Considering several studios and networks were fighting over the lovely Graham, she said she was attracted to newly installed NBC president Ben Silverman's vision for the network. "Also, after having spent so many years representing the frog on the WB," said Graham, "I am especially comforted to be part of the only other network with an animal mascot." (Always the kidder.)
"Lauren Graham is a fantastic actress and brilliant comedic voice," said Silverman. "She's so respected in the industry and is a huge get for us. She's sure to be one of our next big NBC stars and we couldn't be more thrilled to be working with her."
The move marks Silverman's first major talent deal since he joined the network in June. Let's hope that Graham finds a series that makes full use of her considerable talents and ability to wedge several dozen pop culture references into a single breath.
ADDENDUM: Televisionary reader Cinemaniac raised the question as to whether Graham will guest star or appear on any current series while developing a new vehicle for the 2008-09 season. Personally, I'd love to see her guest on 30 Rock this season, perhaps playing a slick NBC executive or the girlfriend of Liz Lemon's "not quite right" brother Mitch. Any takers?
Comments
Any chance she'll pop up on some of our favorite NBC shows while hers is being developed?
--SD