ABC has recently ordered its second comedy pilot of the year amidst the ongoing slow broadcast network pilot season. The new pilot, titled 'Forgive and Forget,' is a multi-camera comedy that will feature Emmy-winning actor Ty Burrell, known for his role in 'Modern Family.' Burrell will not only star in the show but also serve as an executive producer through his production company, Desert Whale Prods.
The creative team behind 'Forgive and Forget' includes writer and executive producer Eugene Garcia-Cross, as well as showrunner and executive producer Robin Shorr. The project, backed by 20th Television, will see Burrell portraying the character of Hank, described as a perennial 'life of the party.'
The storyline revolves around Hank receiving an unexpected diagnosis, prompting him to reconnect with his responsible adult son, Ben. This marks Burrell's return to ABC, where he previously spent 11 seasons and 250 episodes playing Phil Dunphy on 'Modern Family.'
In addition to 'Forgive and Forget,' ABC has also greenlit another comedy pilot titled 'Shifting Gears,' starring veteran actor Tim Allen. Both comedy pilots ordered by the network are multi-camera sitcoms from 20th TV and feature established ABC stars in leading roles.
Burrell, a two-time Emmy winner for his role in 'Modern Family,' has a successful track record in the industry. His recent projects include voicing a character on Fox's animated series 'Duncanville' and launching his production company, Desert Whale, in 2020.
The creative minds behind 'Forgive and Forget,' Garcia-Cross and Shorr, bring a wealth of experience to the project. Garcia-Cross has worked on popular shows like Disney+'s 'The Santa Clauses' and the 'Punky Brewster' reboot, while Shorr has an impressive resume that includes showrunning Disney+'s 'Diary of a Future President' and contributing to series such as 'The Middle' and 'Samantha Who?'
Overall, 'Forgive and Forget' promises to be an exciting addition to ABC's comedy lineup, with Burrell's return to the network generating buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
