Charlie Sheen Attempts Return to TV in New Sitcom
Charlie Sheen has signed on to star in a new cable sitcom, Anger Management, based on the movie of the same name with Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson.
At this point, Anger Management is still in the development stages and doesn't have a confirmed cable home. What it does have, however, are commitments from Sheen to star in the venture, as well as a reputable production company, Lionsgate subsidiary Debmar-Mercury, and an established producer in Joe Roth. Roth worked previously with Sheen on Major League, Young Guns and Three Musketeers.
The business model for the new sitcom involves tying much of Sheen's compensation to the commercial success of the show, a move designed to ensure that the volatile star remains focused on his commitment to perform consistently for the cameras. And although there will almost certainly be a cable channel willing to roll the dice with Sheen's new show, it would be wise for the production company to get at least most of a full season's worth of episodes in the can before they start shopping the show to potential buyers.
The potential trainwreck factor that Sheen offers will garner enough initial interest to bring viewers to the show, so if it will probably enjoy early success as long as it's not completely awful. It would be difficult to project whether a cable show with Sheen would be able to generate enough momentum to make it into syndication or possibly get picked up by a broadcast network. And even if such fortune were to befall the new show, only a fool would then start lavishing Sheen with huge compensation packages that were not tied directly to his performance. The rules have already changed for Charlie Sheen, if and when he's able to return to a successful career in television.
But even if the sitcom venture doesn't work out, Sheen is already set to return to the air at his Comedy Central Roast, scheduled to air on September 19. With such easy material available, it's expected that Sheen will be visited by some of Hollywood's larger comedic talents. Rumors are already swirling that ex-wife Denise Richards will take part in the show.
The business model for the new sitcom involves tying much of Sheen's compensation to the commercial success of the show, a move designed to ensure that the volatile star remains focused on his commitment to perform consistently for the cameras. And although there will almost certainly be a cable channel willing to roll the dice with Sheen's new show, it would be wise for the production company to get at least most of a full season's worth of episodes in the can before they start shopping the show to potential buyers.
The potential trainwreck factor that Sheen offers will garner enough initial interest to bring viewers to the show, so if it will probably enjoy early success as long as it's not completely awful. It would be difficult to project whether a cable show with Sheen would be able to generate enough momentum to make it into syndication or possibly get picked up by a broadcast network. And even if such fortune were to befall the new show, only a fool would then start lavishing Sheen with huge compensation packages that were not tied directly to his performance. The rules have already changed for Charlie Sheen, if and when he's able to return to a successful career in television.
But even if the sitcom venture doesn't work out, Sheen is already set to return to the air at his Comedy Central Roast, scheduled to air on September 19. With such easy material available, it's expected that Sheen will be visited by some of Hollywood's larger comedic talents. Rumors are already swirling that ex-wife Denise Richards will take part in the show.
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