Elfman signs new deal with network

LOS ANGELES -- CBS didn't pick up Jenna Elfman's sitcom for next season, but apparently there are no hard feelings on either side.

Elfman, who starred in the midseason show "Courting Alex," has signed a new deal with the network. CBS will now look to develop a comedy project for her, the showbiz trade papers report. The network is currently looking for a writer to work on the project.

CBS Entertainment chief Nina Tassler is effusive in her praise of Elfman, telling the trades that the former "Dharma & Greg" star is "a unique talent" and "a truly gifted comedienne."

Elfman's relationship with CBS stretches back a couple of years. She was originally set to star in a show from "Dharma & Greg" and "Two and a Half Men" creator Chuck Lorre -- she did a guest stint on "Men" in 2004. When that project fell through, she moved on to "Courting Alex."

That show, in which Elfman played a buttoned-up lawyer who falls for a laid-back bar owner (Josh Randall of "Ed"), started off well for CBS in the cozy Monday spot between "Two and a Half Men" and "CSI: Miami." Its ratings plummeted, however, after a move to Wednesday nights, and "Alex" was pulled in late March.