#8: Downwardly Mobile (NBC)

The US networks are deep into development season and have spent the past few weeks frantically ordering pilots ahead of this year’s Upfronts and LA Screenings. TBI takes a look at some of the most interesting projects that are up for consideration.

#8: Downwardly Mobile (NBC)

Roseanne Barr is coming back to network television fifteen years after the end of her hugely successful eponymous sitcom.

Although Barr returned to TV last year with Eyeworks-produced reality series Roseanne’s Nuts, which aired one season on cable network Lifetime, her comedy comeback is much more widely anticipated.

She has co-created Downwardly Mobile with her boyfriend John Argent and Roseanne executive producer Eric Gilliland, who has more recently worked on shows including Mr. Sunshine. The show is being produced by 20th Century Fox Television.

The multi-camera sitcom will see Barr star as the proprietor of a mobile home park and surrogate mother to all of the unique people who live there in a challenging economy.   

However, as well as Barr’s role, the genius bit of casting looks to be the addition of John Goodman. The producers are in talks with Roseanne’s former onscreen husband, who has most recently been in The Artist, to play a trailer park pal.

Chances: High; NBC needs a comedy smash and the reunion of Barr and Goodman could be just that.