Jamie Lee Curtis has found a new platform for her comedic talents with her role in the upcoming NBC multi-camera sitcom, *Newlyweds*. Alongside her responsibilities as an executive producer, Curtis is set to star in the series, which features actors Téa Leoni and Tim Daly as the lead couple. The show is eagerly anticipated, especially after Curtis’s candid comments reflecting on her previous experience with single-camera sitcoms.
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During an event held at NBCUniversal’s Summer Backlot Experience, the renowned actress reminisced about her guest appearances on the well-loved series, *New Girl*. Curtis revealed that while she thoroughly enjoyed the show, the single-camera format did not resonate with her. “I hated it,” she stated, expressing her preference for the multi-camera format that allows for a more communal environment during filming. In her view, the absence of a live audience led to a stark and silent filming atmosphere that she found less enjoyable.
Curtis’s frustration with single-camera productions stemmed from the lack of immediate audience reactions to her performance. “It’s like doing a movie… there’s a camera crew, and nobody laughs. It’s silent, and it’s awful for me,” she explained. This sentiment adds a layer of understanding to her dedication to finding a project that aligns with her comedic ideals.
*New Girl*, which starred Zooey Deschanel as quirky teacher Jess Day, showcased a diverse cast and became a cultural touchstone during its run. Despite her challenges while working on the show, Curtis fondly acknowledged its success and the talent of her fellow cast members. Appearing as Jess’s mother alongside the late Rob Reiner as her father, Curtis has taken her experiences from the single-camera format and channelled them into her new venture.
For years, Curtis has expressed a desire to return to multi-camera sitcoms similar to the one she starred in during the late 80s, *Anything But Love*. “I’ve been begging people for years to let me do another one,” she said. Her persistence has finally paid off with the creation of *Newlyweds*, a project that allows her to exercise creative control both in front of and behind the camera.
The premise of *Newlyweds* revolves around a spontaneous romance between a free-spirited woman and a cautious professor who impulsively decide to marry. Both Curtis and her collaborator, executive producer Gail Lerner, aim to infuse the storyline with themes of love, growth, and the revitalisation of relationships at any stage of life. Lerner expressed her hopes for audiences to rediscover appreciation for their partners and passions through the show’s narrative.
Curtis drew inspiration for the series from her own life, especially her enduring marriage to Christopher Guest. Their unconventional romantic beginning—sparked by simply seeing his photo and engaging in short visits before marriage—has influenced her vision for the show. “There’s something really delicious about watching people figure out life when they’re filled in a life with other people,” Curtis remarked, highlighting the show’s intent to explore human connections in depth.
Stepping into the role of executive producer has allowed Curtis to embrace her ambition for creative leadership. “I like to refer to myself as the HBIC—head bitch in charge,” Curtis joked, reinforcing her enthusiasm for this new chapter in her career. Having long desired a more significant role behind the scenes, she stated, “Now I’m a boss, and I love it.”
The journey to establishing *Newlyweds* has proven fulfilling for Curtis, who has yearned to work in sitcoms since the late 80s. “Every single year, all I’ve ever said to my agents is, ‘I want to do a sitcom, all I want to do is a sitcom,’” she explained. This dedication and persistence have ultimately led her to create her own opportunity within the genre she has loved for so long.
Fans will soon have the chance to see Curtis in her new role when *Newlyweds* premieres on October 23rd at 8:30 PM ET on NBC. The upcoming sitcom holds the promise of laughter, warmth, and an exploration of life’s relationships, reflecting Curtis’s own experiences and her passion for the art of comedy.