ABC picks up two comedies, 'Happy Endings' and 'Mr. Sunshine,' for fall

Move over, Will Arnett. You're not the only actor who has penned a script, cast himself and scored a new TV show next year.

ABC has picked "Mr. Sunshine," Matthew Perry's single-camera comedy about the manager of a local sports stadium in San Diego who realizes on his 40th birthday that he cannot get by on his charm alone.

Alex Barnow and Mark Firek, both of "Rules of Engagement" and "Til Death," co-wrote the show with Perry. Also cast are Allison Janney ("The West Wing"), Andrea Anders ("Better Off Ted"), James Lesure ("Lipstick Jungle"), and Nate Torrence ("Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip").

 

The network also has ordered "Happy Endings" for next fall. Created by David Caspe, that single-camera comedy is about a couple that breaks up at the altar and their group of friends. The cast includes: Elisha Cuthbert ("24"), Zachary Knighton ("Flash Forward"), Eliza Coupe ("Scrubs"), Damon Wayans Jr., Casey Wilson and Adam Pally.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez
twitter.com/writerchica

Photo: (Top) Matthew Perry in "Mr. Sunshine." Credit: Adam Larkey/ABC.

(Bottom): Daman Wayans Jr., Zachary Knighton, and Adam Pally. Credit: Karen Neal/ABC

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ABC orders its first new show for fall, 'No Ordinary Family'

Comments

[Jordan]

I LOVE Allison Janney!!! I'm eager to see her in a comedy!!!

[Elizabeth]

I loved the show "Mr.Sunshine" with Matthew Perry. I thought it was weird at first, but by the 2nd show I was hooked. Really clever and different. Wish he wasn't as sad faced, so use to seeing him "Happy" like Chandler. But he is really good in this show. Really hope it returns in the Fall.

As for "Happy Endings?" Couldn't even sit through it! So awful and contrived. Tried too hard, people popping all over like popcorn! It tries to appeal to the younger set obviously, with it's cutesy quick talk and non stop banter. But it is awful. Like "Friends" on steroids! Truly hope they dump that one in the trash before it starts breeding and multiplying!