Alyson Hannigan has committed to star in NBC's untitled Matt Tarses/Bill Wrubel comedy pilot.
Meanwhile, the network has picked up "The Friendlys," a comedy pilot from NBC Studios and Robb and Mark Cullen, the duo behind FX's offbeat comedy "Lucky."
Hannigan had been eyeing the untitled Tarses/Wrubel comedy project -- which revolves around the relationship between a brother and his sister who haven't spoken in 18 months -- and had met with the producers of the show when it was still in development (HR 1/7).
Talks accelerated after the pilot was picked up this month, leading to the pact with Hannigan, who has a talent deal with NBC (HR 10/13).
The Tarses/Wrubel project, from NBC Studios and the production banner of Karey Burke and Jamie Tarses, is executive produced by Wrubel, Burke, Jamie Tarses and Matt Tarses, who are siblings.
"American Pie" star Hannigan, who next can be seen as Sally in the London stage version of Rob Reiner's 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally ... ," is repped by Innovative Artists and manager Steve Lovett.
"The Friendlys" revolves around a fight between a dead candy mogul's trophy wife and his daughter over the business. The project marks a reunion for the Cullen brothers and Kevin Reilly, NBC president primetime development, who championed the Cullens' "Lucky" during his previous job as FX's entertainment president. The Cullens inked a two-script deal with the peacock network in the summer.
In addition to "The Friendlys" and the untitled Tarses/Wrubel project, NBC has picked up the comedy "Everyday Life," a scripted/improv project written and executive produced by Dan and Sue Paige and also exec produced by Rob Reiner and Alan Greisman. The peacock has also given a cast-contingent pickup to an untitled Paul Reiser comedy about a shallow New York businessman and his therapist, penned and executive produced by Reiser and Steven Sater. In addition, NBC has picked up a father-son comedy written and executive produced by Marsh McCall. (Story courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter)
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