Southern charm and menopause are set to mix in a big way on Netflix's upcoming untitled sitcom starring Tennessee's own Leanne Morgan. Hollywood powerhouse Chuck Lorre, who you might know from small-screen hits like "The Big Bang Theory," has joined forces with Morgan and Susan McMartin to co-create the series, as reported by Netflix's Tudum. The show, which has been picked up for 16 episodes, revolves around Morgan's character grappling with the reality of her husband's sudden exit for another woman, and her consequent starting over albeit suddenly as a newly-single grandmother.
Netflix is clearly hoping to strike gold by doubling down on the "Grandmama from Tennessee," ordering not just this series but two additional stand-up specials from Morgan - a vote of confidence that follows her highly-rated 2023 special "Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman." That gig saw her candidly discuss her life's twists and turns, from small-town upbringing to grandparenting, and it was warmly received, earning a not-too-shabby 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, according to WATE. The queen of drawl and relatable humor isn't slowing down, as her "Just Getting Started" tour is slated to round off on June 30, 2024, in Chattanooga.
In a statement obtained by TheWrap, the official logline for the comedy spells out a recipe for homespun laughs: “Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity, and Jell-O salad.” It's safe to say that Netflix is betting on Morgan's signature style to season their comedy lineup with a generous helping of Southern sass and wit.
Breaking into a notoriously tough industry isn't easy, but Morgan's prodigious leap from stand-up to sitcom star is proof positive of her comedic chops. "I’ve dreamed of this since childhood, and I can't believe it has come true!" Morgan told Netflix's Tudum in an interview. As for Lorre, he appears to fully back Morgan's ability to infuse heart into humor, stating, "If you’ve seen even 10 seconds of Leanne Morgan’s stand-up, then you know what a unique comedic force she is." In times when TV shows are easily coming and going, Morgan's down-to-earth charm may just be the grounding force needed to keep viewers solidly binging.
