‘Newlyweds’ Co-Creator Gail Lerner Fired As Showrunner Of New NBC Sitcom Ahead Of Premiere

NBC‘s upcoming sitcom Newlyweds, starring Tèa Leoni and Tim Daly and featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, is undergoing a behind-the-scenes shakeup. Gail Lerner, who co-created the series with Curtis, is out as showrunner. The comedy veteran announced her firing on Instagram while plugging the show’s Oct. 23 premiere.

“The reason I’ve been given is ‘creative differences’,” Lerner wrote. “I’m so sad to be separated from the most joyous TV experience of my life. The cast, crew, and writers are unparalleled.”

Lerner added a “silver lining”: “The first six episodes were made under my leadership, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

According to sources, Newlyweds is scheduled to film Episode 8 of its 13-episode order today. The show is going on a pre-planned hiatus next week. NBC and the series’ studio Universal Television are expected to use the time to find a new showrunner.

Written by Lerner, Newlyweds is a later-in-life love story about a free-spirited woman (Leoni) and a buttoned-up professor (Leoni’s real-life husband Daly) who marry impetuously after a whirlwind courtship.

Lerner and Curtis executive produce alongside Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Scott Schwartz and Lionsgate Television. Leoni is a producer. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.

“No one knows what’s going to happen in our meshuganah business, but I predict this show’s gonna be a barn burner,” Lerner wrote. “Please check out the first six (and beyond!). If you like them, please let me know! If you don’t, keep it to yourself. Sending all my love and hopes for a long and happy run to everyone who gave their talent and open hearts to make this happen. As my dear friend @courtneyaltonlilly told me, better to die on your feet than live on your knees. Love from your friend on her feet.”