Charlie Sheen Still 'Winning!' as FX Announces New TV Show
Charlie Sheen will star in a new sitcom on FX network based on the movie “Anger Management” starting summer of 2012.
The show features Sheen as a therapist whose wacky ways of dealing with anger management are as much a cure for his patients as himself. In the 2003 comedy starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, the therapist (Nicholson) was, ironically, quite angry.
This is the premise for the new sitcom. Sheen signed an agreement with FX to produce 10 episodes, with potential for another 90, through a rare kind of distribution clause that absolves the network of any liability or insurance for Sheen.
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Needless to say, Sheen’s history of over-the-top behavior like alcohol and cocaine abuse, domestic violence, destruction of public property and numerous arrests is most likely the cause for the unique deal.
The former “Two and a Half Men” star, for all his faults, is publicly lauded as a talented actor.
John Landgraf, the president and general manager of FX, said, “We think that Bruce Helford, Joe Roth and Charlie Sheen have come up with a wonderful, hilarious vehicle for Charlie’s acting talents-and a character we are very much looking forward to seeing him play,” in an announcement.
Bruce Helford is set to produce the show. He has a plethora of sitcom experience, including popular shows like “Roseanne,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “The George Lopez Show.”
The powerhouse behind the program is Joe Roth, founder of Revolution Studios and producer of over 40 films.
Sheen’s last show “Two and a Half Men” crumbled when disputes and hostility between the Hollywood star and Chuck Lorre reached a breaking point. Sheen was fired and subsequently replaced by Ashton Kutcher.
This time around, there’s much less of an incentive for Sheen’s outrageous behavior, as he will “retain a significant ownership stake in the series,” according to an excerpt from the announcement.
Some Twitter reactions to the news were less than ecstatic.
Chris O’Shea wrote: “Charlie Sheen having a new TV show titled ‘Anger Management’ is like Casey Anthony having one called ‘The Babysitter’s Club.’”
Time columnist James Poniewozik tweeted: “FX picks up Charlie Sheen sitcom; deal could total 100 episodes. I’d advise taping them all in like a week, just to be safe.”
Sheen has assembled something of a cult following, and if his fans decide to support his show, it could become another successful sitcom to add to FX’s lineup.
