Business news network, CNBC, is said to be developing an animated series based on the comic strip CEO Dad, which might become a half-hour series on the the network this fall.

The network will likely air five one-minute shorts cut from the pilot based on the cartoon strip written by LA executive recruiter Tom Stern. A 30 minute series could follow, but nothing official has been announced.

CEO Dad is about the chief executive of a Styrofoam peanut manufacturer, Frank Pitt, who tries to balance work life and home life with his wife, Chloe, 10-year-old son J.D., 7-year-old daughter Grace and dog Taylor. His family believes he's more focused on work than home life.

"CEO Dad is the kind of man whose prenup has a noncompete clause," Stern said. "The irony of the situation is that his family is everything he hopes and dreams it would be if he weren't in it."

Sources say Bob Balaban will likely executive produce and direct. Stern and Matt Goldman would get the creator/executive producer/writers credits. CNBC declined comment Tuesday.

On The Web:
Full Story in The Hollywood Reporter
"CEO Dad" Website

Posted by Mike Laverdiere at 12:02 PM | Permalink

CBC series Little Mosque On The Prairie ended it's first season on a high note with 1.2 million viewers. Still a far cry from it's debut at 2.2 million. But a ratings success by Canadian TV standards nontheless.

While a second season hasn't been green-lit by CBC, the show's producers have lured away Corner Gas writers Paul Mather and Rob Sheridan. The network says that "discussions are ongoing."

Meanwhile, Corner Gas aired it's much anticipated season finale Monday night. They were poised to deliver their 69th consecutive episode with the season-ender "Out of Gas," in which Brent (Brent Butt) closes his gas station and Lacey (Gabrielle Miller) moves back to Toronto.

CTV is to announce this week whether Corner Gas will be renewed for another season. The show has emerged as the most successful comedy (American or Canadian) on Canadian TV since it's debut in 2004.

On The Web:
More in Playback Magazine
'Little Mosque' Website
'Corner Gas' Website

Posted by Mike Laverdiere at 2:43 PM | Permalink