...but it quickly finds a new home

American network NBC has dropped its remake of the Kumars At Number 42.

However, the spoof chat show has been immediately picked up by rival broadcaster Fox, most famous as the home of The Simpsons.

Rupert Murdock's network has agreed to the same terms, including the unusual commitment to stump up the full $750,000 cost of each episode, rather than forcing producers Pariah TV and Britain's Hat Trick Productions to share the risk.

The deal, which covers 13 episodes, also means the show is more likely to be exported back to Britain, as sister station Sky One airs much of Fox's output.

The talkshow has been renamed The Ortegas for the US market, and is now set among a Mexican family in Los Angeles. The host will be Al Madrigal , with Cheech Marin (pictured), of Cheech and Chong fame, playing his father.

Fox entertainment president Gail Berman told entertainment industry newspaper Variety that The Ortegas was "something we've had our eye on for a long time."

"It's a wonderful format that combines the sitcom with a talkshow, and it felt really fresh and unique."

Published: 6 May 2003