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Ty Burrell’s new comedy pilot ‘Forgive and Forget’ not moving forward at ABC
A missed opportunity for Ty Burrell fans
In a surprising turn of events, Ty Burrell‘s anticipated return to ABC with the comedy pilot “Forgive and Forget” has been halted. The network has decided not to move forward with the project, leaving fans of the beloved actor in suspense. This multi-camera comedy was initially greenlit in March, with Burrell not only starring but also serving as an executive producer.
The premise of ‘Forgive and Forget’
The show was set to follow Hank, portrayed by Burrell, a perennial life-of-the-party character who, after receiving an unexpected diagnosis, seeks to reconnect with his responsible adult son, Ben, to create new memories. The storyline promised a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, a combination that Burrell has mastered over the years.
Behind the scenes
The creative team behind “Forgive and Forget” included Eugene Garcia-Cross as the writer and executive producer, with Robin Shorr taking on the role of showrunner and executive producer. Burrell’s involvement extended beyond acting, as he was also an executive producer under his Desert Whale Productions banner. The project was backed by 20th Television, a studio known for producing quality content.
Ty Burrell’s legacy on ABC
Burrell is no stranger to ABC audiences, having played the iconic role of Phil Dunphy on the hit sitcom “Modern Family” for 11 seasons. His portrayal earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, along with eight consecutive nominations. “Modern Family” remains a beloved show, and Burrell’s performance is a significant part of its enduring appeal.
The landscape of ABC’s comedy lineup
Had “Forgive and Forget” been picked up, Burrell would have joined another former ABC star, Tim Allen, who is set to return with the multi-cam comedy “Shifting Gears.” Allen’s new show, which also stars Kat Dennings from “2 Broke Girls,” has already been greenlit, adding to the network’s comedy roster.
Currently, ABC’s comedy lineup is relatively sparse. The critically acclaimed single-camera show “Abbott Elementary” is set to return for its fourth season on October 9. Additionally, the seventh and final season of “The Conners” is expected to premiere midseason, marking the end of another beloved series.
Reflecting on the decision
The decision not to move forward with “Forgive and Forget” raises questions about the future direction of ABC’s comedy programming. With fewer scripted comedies on the horizon, the network may be looking to diversify its content or focus on other genres. For fans of Ty Burrell, this news is undoubtedly disappointing, but it also leaves room for speculation about his next move.
Personal reflections
As a long-time admirer of Ty Burrell’s work, the news of “Forgive and Forget” not moving forward is a letdown. Burrell’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotion is a rare talent, and seeing him in a new role would have been a treat. However, this decision also highlights the unpredictable nature of the television industry, where even promising projects can face unexpected hurdles.
For those who appreciate quality comedy, it’s worth keeping an eye on ABC’s upcoming lineup. Shows like “Abbott Elementary” continue to deliver fresh and engaging content, while the final season of “The Conners” promises to wrap up its storylines in a satisfying manner.
In the ever-evolving world of television, one thing remains certain: talented actors like Ty Burrell will always find new opportunities to shine, and fans will eagerly await their next project.
