NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI) — Kevin James won hearts with his character Doug Heffernan in the popular CBS comedy King of Queens. The sitcom that ran from 1998-2007 solidified James’ acting career and even launched his success on the big screen.
Eight years later, the funny man is ready to resurrect his TV career.
Deadline reports James is set to produce and star in a sitcom that will air on CBS, the same network that aired King of Queens. He will also be working with some of the same people who ran that show.
“[He] will co-write with former King of Queens executive producer and frequent collaborator Rock Reuben and with sitcom veteran Bruce Helford who will serve as showrunner,” the site mentioned.
On the show James will play a retired police officer who looks forward to the opportunity to finally spend quality time with his family. But the officer soon realizes his experience on the police force was nothing compared to life at home.
CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller is ecstatic about the upcoming project.
“We’re beyond thrilled to be back in business with Kevin James!” Heller said. “He’s an incredibly talented star on every screen and every stage, who appeals to a broad audience. We can’t wait to start working with Kevin and the amazing comedy talents of Bruce Helford and Rock Reuben on this exciting new project.”
The untitled 13-episode series is set for a 2016-2017 premiere and is a collaboration between Sony Pictures TV and James’ production company Hey Eddie.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Mall Cop 2 star considered many offers as he mused over returning to TV. He previously had a two-year contract with Lionsgate Television which included him starring in one of the company’s 10/90 comedies, where a straight-to-series order of 10 episodes is followed by a 90-episode order, but James eventually dropped out.
