Z.com announced it will preview the upcoming NBC animated series SAMMY on the Web. This deal coincides with the Internet entertainment programming company’s recent acquisition of Comedy.com. The series is loosely based on the real-life experiences of creator David Spade and his father. The seemingly unfunny plot line centers on Sammy, a deadbeat dad who abandoned his son, but comes back into the child’s life once the son has become rich. The toon premieres on TV, July 25, 2000, with actors Maura Tierney (ER), Andy Dick (NEWSRADIO) and Spade providing voices. Ellen DeGeneres has also signed on to produce a multimedia tie-in to her live summer performance tour. The program will include video diary segments directed by Anne Heche and a number of interactive features designed to encourage fan participation. The terms of the deals were not disclosed.