CBS signs up

America’s CBS network has ordered a sitcom pilot from acclaimed stand-up Jim Gaffigan.

The as-yet untitled show will be a semi-autobiographical comedy about him as a happily married, but continually hassled, father of five living in New York.

Gaffigan, famed for his routines about food (especially Hot Pockets) and for adopting the sarcastic voice of the audience during his sets, previously starred on CBS’s short-lived comedy Welcome to New York in 2001.

He will co-write the new show with Peter Tolan, creator of the firefighter drama Rescue Me, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Gaffigan's stand-up album, Mr. Universe, was nominated for a Grammy last year, while his book, Dad Is Fat, will be released in the States in May.

The order follows a so-called ‘put pilot’ order – when a script is commissioned with heavy penalties if it’s not made into a trial show – in the autumn.

Published: 12 Jan 2013