M. Etheridge to star in ABC Sitcom

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20th TV, ABC prep sitcom for Etheridge



Melissa Etheridge
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By Nellie Andreeva
Melissa Etheridge is crossing over to television as the star of an ABC sitcom.

After competitive bidding among several networks, the project from 20th Century Fox TV and studio-based Brad Grey TV landed at ABC with a script commitment plus a six-figure penalty.

To be written by Linda Wallem, the untitled project is described as a nontraditional family comedy and as a reversed "Will & Grace" with a kid.

It centers on a gay woman (Etheridge), a music teacher who lives with her best friend, a straight man. The two are raising the daughter of another friend.

Wallem will executive produce the project with Brad Grey. Etheridge will serve as producer.

With her mixture of confessional lyrics, pop-based folk rock and raspy vocals, Etheridge became a popular recording artist in the late '80s and '90s.

The singer's big breakthrough came with her fourth album, 1993's "Yes I Am," which also marked her official coming out. The album, which sold more than 6 million copies, spawned the hit singles "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window" and earned Etheridge a Grammy.

Wallem executive produced Fox's comedy series "That '70s Show" and co-created its short-lived spinoff, "That '80s Show."

Etheridge and Wallem are repped by CAA.