'Ed' Creators Sign New NBC Deal

[TJ]

http://tv.zap2it.com/news/tvnewsdaily.html?28921

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Jon Beckerman and Rob Burnett, the creators of
"Ed," have signed a deal with NBC to develop new series.

The two-year deal allows them to continue working on "Ed" as they generate new
shows for the network. Burnett also remains as an executive producer of CBS' "Late
Show with David Letterman." (Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants,
produces "Ed.")

"Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman are among the most creative and talented showmen
in the television business," NBC Entertainment president Jeff Zucker says. "We
couldn't be happier that they've chosen NBC as their home base for developing new
shows."

"Ed," now in its third season, earned rave reviews when it debuted in 2000. Although
it's fallen from critical grace somewhat recently -- mostly due to the protracted
will-they-or-won't-they relationship between Ed (Tom Cavanagh) and his unrequited
love, Carol (Julie Bowen) -- it still performs solidly in the ratings.

The show is averaging about 10.4 million viewers a week so far this season, and
Wednesday's (Nov. 13) episode drew 12.6 million viewers, its biggest audience in
more than a year.