Nick at Nite will produce its first ever original animated series, FATHERHOOD. David Alan Grier (LIFE WITH BONNIE, DAG) has been signed to star in the series, which is based on Bill Cosby's bestselling book, FATHERHOOD. Cosby will executive produce the primetime series for Nick at Nite along with Charles Kipps (LITTLE BILL, COSBY MYSTERIES, LAW & ORDER) and David Brokaw (LITTLE BILL). Sal Maniaci, VP, development & production, TV Land and Nick at Nite, is overseeing the project, which is scheduled to premiere December 2003. "We are thrilled and honored to join forces with America's most beloved and creative funnyman for the network's first original project," said Jones. "We've been looking for an original property much like THE COSBY SHOW, that truly fits the Nick at Nite family viewing brand," according to by Larry W. Jones, EVP/GM, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "What better way to launch our first original series than with an original Cosby gem." This project marks the third installment of Cosby's animation "trilogy" which includes LITTLE BILL for Nickelodeon, FAT ALBERT and now FATHERHOOD for Nick at Nite. Each installment of the animated series will be a comedic/insightful look at the challenges, life lessons and comical confusions of family life. David Alan Grier will star as the voice of Dr. Bindlebeep, a high school teacher, loving husband and father of three. "I hope the audience will enjoy the art of New Yorker cartoonist George Booth that inspired the look of these characters," said Cosby. Bill Cosby was represented by William Morris Agency chairman Norman Brokaw and Mark Itkin, exec VP. Nick at Nite, the evening and overnight programming arm of Nickelodeon, offers new and timeless TV shows restored to their original graphic quality such as THE COSBY SHOW, CHEERS, THREE'S COMPANY and ALL IN THE FAMILY.
