Ty Burrell’s anticipated return to ABC has hit a snag. The network has decided not to move forward with the comedy pilot “Forgive and Forget,” in which Burrell starred and served as an executive producer.
Originally ordered to pilot in March, “Forgive and Forget” was a multi-camera project that aimed to explore the life of Hank, played by Burrell. The character, described as the “perennial life of the party,” faces an unexpected diagnosis that prompts him to reconnect with his responsible adult son, Ben. The show was intended to focus on their journey to create new memories together.
Eugene Garcia-Cross, known for his work on “The Santa Clauses,” wrote the pilot and served as an executive producer alongside Robin Shorr, who was set to be the showrunner. Burrell produced the project under his Desert Whale Productions banner, with 20th Television as the studio behind it.
Burrell is widely recognized for his role as Phil Dunphy in ABC’s beloved sitcom “Modern Family,” which ran for 11 seasons and included 250 episodes. His performance earned him two Emmy Awards in the supporting comedy actor category, along with eight consecutive nominations.
Had “Forgive and Forget” been picked up for a full series, Burrell would have joined Tim Allen as a returning star in a new multi-camera comedy. ABC recently greenlit Allen’s series “Shifting Gears,” which features him alongside Kat Dennings.
Currently, ABC’s scripted comedy lineup is sparse. The network’s flagship single-camera show, “Abbott Elementary,” is set to return for its fourth season, while “The Conners” is preparing for its seventh and final season.
The decision to pass on “Forgive and Forget” was not entirely unexpected. ABC has been shifting its focus towards drama procedurals and unscripted programming, leaving less room for comedies. The network’s commitment to Allen’s “Shifting Gears” was evident, as they developed multiple scripts for him to choose from, even proceeding with a series order despite changes in the pilot’s writing team.
“Forgive and Forget” faced its own set of challenges during development. The role of Hank’s son was recast after the initial table read, and while the pilot received internal support, it ultimately did not meet ABC’s high standards for comedy. The subject matter, which revolves around Alzheimer’s disease, may have also contributed to the decision. The show aimed to address the stigma surrounding the illness, drawing inspiration from Garcia-Cross’s personal experiences caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s.
Despite the setback with “Forgive and Forget,” there are indications that Disney remains interested in collaborating with Burrell on future projects. Discussions are reportedly underway for other opportunities that could see the Emmy-winning actor back on screen.
As fans of Burrell and his previous work await news of his next venture, the cancellation of “Forgive and Forget” serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape of television programming. The evolving preferences of networks and audiences continue to shape the types of stories that are told, and while some projects may not make it to air, the potential for new and innovative content remains.
Source: Variety, TVLine
