ABC/KAREN NEALCougar Town fans, you might want to break out your wine glasses and pour yourself a generous serving of some vino before reading this pilot casting news.
We've learned that the ABC comedy's leading man Josh Hopkins aka Grayson (or, you know, beady eyes) has just been cast in a comedy pilot for NBC, Lady Friends. Yes, an actor whose show is currently on the air can in fact be cast in a pilot for next season. Remember when Damon Wayans Jr. starred in the New Girl pilot before Happy Endings received its official season two pickup? Exactly.
So what does this casting news mean for Cougar Town? And what is creator Bill Lawrence saying about the situation?
Created by Kari Lizer, Lady Friends follows two lifelong besties who live different lives, but can't live 'em without each other. Kind of like Beaches...except funny! Hopkins is set to play the husband of one of the ladies, Nicole (to be played by Better Off Ted's Andrea Anders).
While fans of the struggling comedy will no doubt be worried by this casting news, Lawrence took to his Twitter account to explain the situation. "If our show comes back, they can't use Josh on other show, but he keeps the $$$," he writes. "They're betting against us—that's how it works. So in that scenario—no, ABC wouldn't let him work there. Be a nice problem to have. Fingers crossed."
ABC has yet to make a decision on Cougar Town's fate, but Lawrence remains optimistic about the show's chances for a fourth season. "I'm still betting we will survive, and that pilot will be screwed. But I'm an optimistic guy."
Lawrence says Hopkins joining a new pilot will have no effect on Cougar Town's renewal chances, saying, "Still think the odds of Cougar Town coming back are the same—but if it's a coin flip, don't want actors to be jobless/cashless." Translation: Hopkins Lady Friends gig is in second position to Cougar Town; if Cougar Town is renewed, NBC will be forced to recast his role in the pilot.