Matthew Broderick books lead in CBS comedy pilot from ‘Scrubs’ producer

Matthew Broderick is ready to take the comedy plunge, but he has a challenging road ahead for him as he tries to find a place on the most competitive network in television.

Multiple sources have confirmed that the film star and Broadway icon has signed on to play the leading role in a still-untitled project from “Scrubs” writer Ted Quill (which has to be the perfect name for someone in this profession). His character’s name is Jack, and he is a widower who is coaxed by his 12-year old son Sebastian as well as one of his married co-workers to re-enter the dating scene after some time away. This pilot sounds a little bit like NBC’s “Go On,” but with much more of a literal family component thrown in rather than a support group.

As for why Broderick’s show may have trouble getting picked up, it has nothing to do with his overall talent leve; rather, there are just so many other ambitious comedy pilots out there right now from CBS, and only so many spots. “How I Met Your Mother,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Mike & Molly,” and “The Big Bang Theory” are all returning, and “Two and a Half Men” likely going to once contract negotiations are complete. This leaves only one regular half-hour available plus whatever the network wants to do at midseason, and some of the other candidates out there including Robin Williams’ “The Crazy Ones,” the Chuck Lorre comedy “Mom” starring Anna Faris, the American TV debut of “Harry Potter” star Rupert Grint, and a new project featuring “Smash” star Debra Messing.

What do you think about Broderick’s casting, and do you think that this show could be picked up? If you want to read more about the Messing pilot, you can do so over at the link here.

Photo: CBS