Matt LeBlanc plots return to network TV with CBS sitcom I'm Not Your Friend... after being named new host of BBC's Top Gear

Matt LeBlanc is a man in demand these days with a new job as host of the BBC's Top Gear and a fifth season in the works for his Showtime comedy episodes.

Now it's reported by Variety that the actor has had a sitcom greenlit by CBS with the network offering a series commitment, meaning he'll get a chunk of cash if it doesn't run for a season.

The show is called I'm Not Your Friend, which is an interesting title for a starring vehicle for the former Friends cast member.

Busy man: Matt LeBlanc is lining up projects with a fifth season of Episodes, a hosting gig on Top Gear and now a series commitment from CBS for a sitcom I'm Not Your Friend

Busy man: Matt LeBlanc is lining up projects with a fifth season of Episodes, a hosting gig on Top Gear and now a series commitment from CBS for a sitcom I'm Not Your Friend

LeBlanc spent 10 years playing Joey Tribbiano on the phenomenally successful NBC sitcom and another two years as the character on the spin-off Joey.

More recently, though, he's tried to break away from that mould, starring as a fictional version of himself in the BBC/Showtime co-production Episodes, about a British TV show being remade for an American audience.

And just last week he was unveiled as the new host, along with English presenter Chris Evans, of the BBC's revamped Top Gear.

See more of the latest on the new series of Top Gear with host Matt LeBlanc 

No longer a Friend: LeBlanc, 48, spent 12 years playing the character of Joey Tribbiano on NBC, first on Friends for a decade and then for two seasons in the spin-off Joey

No longer a Friend: LeBlanc, 48, spent 12 years playing the character of Joey Tribbiano on NBC, first on Friends for a decade and then for two seasons in the spin-off Joey

New gig: Just last week, the actor was unveiled as the new host of BBC's Top Gear alongside Chris Evans and The Stig in the newly revamped show that debuts in May

New gig: Just last week, the actor was unveiled as the new host of BBC's Top Gear alongside Chris Evans and The Stig in the newly revamped show that debuts in May

The appointment is widely seen as an attempt to get more women watching the show, that begins airing in May.

In the new sitcom for CBS, the 48-year-old will star, per Variety, as 'a contractor who learns that raising his kids is more challenging than expected when his wife goes back to work.'

LeBlanc will serve as executive producer on the series.

In control: LeBlanc will serve as executive producer of his new sitcom. H'es pictured at the Emmys in LA last september

In control: LeBlanc will serve as executive producer of his new sitcom. H'es pictured at the Emmys in LA last september

It's not clear when he might start filming the first episode as he's committed to Top Gear and to starting work on the next season of Episodes in England in April.

He's not the only friends star to find a new home at CBS.

Matthew Perry has had his revival of The Odd Couple renewed by the network for a second season.

Network mates: LeBlanc's former Friends co-star Matthew Perry has also found a home on CBS. His revival of The Odd Couple co-starring Thomas Lennon was picked up by the network for a second season

Network mates: LeBlanc's former Friends co-star Matthew Perry has also found a home on CBS. His revival of The Odd Couple co-starring Thomas Lennon was picked up by the network for a second season

Friends: LeBlanc found fame when he was cast with five other unknowns in the sitcom about singles living in New York City that premiered in 1994 and made household names of all of them

Friends: LeBlanc found fame when he was cast with five other unknowns in the sitcom about singles living in New York City that premiered in 1994 and made household names of all of them

 

 

 

 

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