ABC wants 'Old Christine' if CBS doesn't

Zap2It.com | May 5, 2009

Julia Louis-Dreyfus of 'The New Adventures of Old Christine'

Discuss this story now

Sitcom has a backup plan for next season

"The New Adventures of Old Christine" could end up on a new network if its old network decides it doesn't want the show anymore.

The CBS sitcom once again finds itself the object of affection at ABC. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Alphabet has made a backup deal with "Christine" producer Warner Bros. TV to pick up the series if CBS decides to pass on a fifth season.

ABC and Warner Bros. went through a similar dance last year, when "Old Christine" was on the bubble for renewal and ABC was in search of more comedy. CBS ended up ordering a new season of the show and pairing it with newcomer "Gary Unmarried" to establish a comedy block on Wednesday nights.

The deal this year came about because CBS hasn't yet made a decision on whether to renew the show. The HR says that "for now," CBS is leaning toward bringing the show back for 2009-10.

ABC is trying to make a bigger push into comedy and is sifting through more than a dozen sitcom pilots as it sets its lineup for next season. The network will have precious few established shows with which to pair any newcomers, though -- none of its current comedies are sure bets for renewal -- so a veteran show could help anchor a comedy block.

"Old Christine," which stars Emmy winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is drawing about 7.5 million viewers a week this season.