Matthew Perry Developing ‘Odd Couple’ Remake For CBS

Matthew Perry is developing a remake of The Odd Couple for CBS.

Perry will not only co-write and executive produce the Odd Couple remake, he will star in the multi-camera comedy as well. The former Friends star will play Oscar, who was played by Jack Klugman in the series, which ran from 1970 to 1975 on ABC. The role of Oscar was originated by Walter Matthau in the 1965 play, who reprised the role in the 1968 film.

The role of Felix, which was played by Jack Lemmon in the play and film and by Tony Randall in the series, has yet to be cast.

Danny Jacobson (Mad About You) will co-write the Odd Couple remake, which received a script commitment plus penalty from CBS.

“Ever since seeing the movie The Odd Couple when I was 10 years old, it has been a dream for me to play Oscar Madison. To be given the opportunity to develop a modern version of it for CBS has put a permanent smile across my face,” Matthew Perry said.

“I met up with a wonderful writing partner in Danny Jacobson,” the 44-year-old added. “We both have such a passion for the source material that we have instantly become obsessed with making this great. Plus, I think it’s time for me to be in front of a live audience again. I miss that. The search for Felix Ungar is on!”

Matthew Perry most recently starred in Go On as Ryan King, a sportscaster trying to move on after the death of his wife. The series premiered in August 2012, drawing 16.10 million viewers thanks to a lead-in from the Olympics. By the penultimate episode, the audience dropped to a series-low of 2.45 million viewers. In May, NBC announced that it had canceled Go On after one season.

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