Image Credit: FilmMagic Inc/FilmMagic.comThe fall season doesn’t officially begin until Sept. 20, but the broadcast networks have already kicked off development for the following September. A number of hot projects have hit the marketplace — a crime thriller and an Alcatraz drama from uber-producer J.J. Abrams, just to name two — but those scripts don’t seem nearly as provocative as the possibility of a (major?) comeback by a former ABC star. EW has learned from multiple sources that Tim Allen (Home Improvement) is looking to stage a return to prime time — as long as it involves the right project. “It will be huge,” predicts one manager of Allen’s comeback — if and when it happens. Another source indicated that the actor is taking “a few select meetings” with writer-producers, one of whom may include Greg Daniels (Parks & Recreation, The Office). Is there a chance that Allen could even join the staff of Dunder-Mifflin?
What is this, the return of the ’90s stars? Not that there’s anything wrong with that: There are certain veteran TV actors who will always trigger a flurry of excitement and activity from the industry if they indicate a desire to revisit their roots. Tom Selleck, a.k.a. Magnum P.I., is expected to be the primary draw of Blue Bloods when it bows on CBS on Sept. 24. Friends’ Matthew Perry is headlining ABC’s mid-season comedy Mr. Sunshine. Paul Reiser, who was on Mad About You from 1992-1999, will star in an eponymous comedy for NBC early next year. And Michael Chiklis, who last starred in the The Shield but headlined The Commish back in the ’90s, was one of the most sought-after actors this development season before he joined ABC’s No Ordinary Family (Sept. 28). And don’t get us started on the enduring appeal of NCIS‘ Mark Harmon, who’s been a bona fide TV star since his days on St. Elsewhere in the ’80s. There are some TV stars who fans will always be drawn to, no matter what year (or decade) they decide to do another series.
Allen now joins a small, but exclusive, list of actors that the broadcast networks yearn to cast every year in their next big TV shows. Perennial favorites include Kevin Bacon, Lisa Kudrow, Claire Danes, Ashley Judd, William H. Macy, Susan Sarandon, Elisabeth Shue, Josh Duhamel, and Scott Speedman.
Is it possible that this isn’t just meetings for a new show, but that he could also be meeting with Daniels to discuss taking over as boss on The Office next season?
Good thought.
I notice this possibility was added to the article after I posted this, so that’s kinda neat.
That is neat! And the only idea for the office I’ve heard so far that seems reasonable. But do we think Tim Allen could pull it off? I can’t decide…
I think he would be perfect for the role….would love to see that happen!
I think he could pull it off.
Galaxy Quest the series?
Heh, I was one of the few that actually saw the movie in theaters. It’s woefully underrated and hilarious.
it made 90.6 mill back in the day, that was a bona fide hit that year!
I would so watch that.
Miners, not minors!
Tony Shalhoub is free now that Monk’s ended. Wonder what Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver are doing these days?
Princess, Sigourney has a new movie called “You Again” that opens in two weeks.
I’m a huge Galaxy fan. I would love a series on that. But it would have to have Tim Allen in it, at least. Fun idea.
I love that movie!!!!
Stoked about all things Tim Allen. Also Kevin Bacon, and especially Paul Reiser. Totally indifferent to Selleck and Kudrow.
You know, it’s about time. Obviously his movies are stinkers, but there’s something to be said for a guy who can make a family sitcom actually funny.
Of course, I’m biased since I grew up watching Home Improvement and will always have a soft spot for it.
Don’t care what his other movies are like – Galaxy Quest was AMAZING. I love that movie.
Haha he was awesome in Home Improvement!! I watch it on TBS (being that I didn’t grow up with it).
& I love seeing Lisa Kudrow’s name on that list of sought-after people.
Can we please get Elisabeth Shue a tv show?
Whenever Tom Selleck, Mark Harmon, or even Tim Allen are involved in anything…I’ll be watching. It says a lot that these actors are still sought after to carry projects 30 years later.
they tried to get Matthew Broderick and Sissy Spacek to do TV Shows for years!..and when they finally make Pilots the networks don’t pick them up!
I’m not a huge fan of Tim Allen. I used to watch Home Improvement all the time when I was growing up and I loved it. But it’s one of those shows that I can’t watch anymore. If I watch it now, I just don’t find it funny like I used to when I was a kid.
Tim Allen’s best role is Buzz Lightyear.
Totally agree about Home Improvement. When I was a kid, it was hilarious, now…not so much.
Yesssssssssssss! I will watch anything with Tim Allen in it (I even watched Wild Hogs. lol not saying i enjoyed it, but I watched it!)
Never Give Up! Never Surrender!
I LOVE Tim Allen!! He’s Santa Claus, for crying out loud! I’m glad sitcoms are still staying alive…I would definitely check it out.
I would like the surviving cast of Everybody Loves Raymond to revive this popular show. I remember Nancy Walker ( i.e. Rhoda’s mom ), worked two shows at one time!
I think you mean Craig T. Nelson, Torrence5.
Tim Allen has been away from tv long enough that he could be preceived as a new character on tv. I think a lot of times, actors are so closely identified with a role that it is hard for them to do another show & be seen as a new character; then again, Selea Ward, Julie Louis-Dryfus, Sharon Gless, & Michael Landon all have successfully done it. Craig T. Morgan also — so good luck, Tim.
Tony Danza & Judd Hirshi & Marilu Henner from “Taxi” all had successful shows after there big hit shows. Carol O’Conner, Lucy, & Mary Tyler Moore. Also Bryan Cranston (Malcom in the middle & |Breaking Bad) .. any other actors/actresses can think of?
I hope it works out; “Home Improvement” and a few of his 90s films were terrific, but it’s been a while since he’s been in anything really worth seeing (“Toy Story 3″ excepted, of course).