NBC Axes ‘Newlyweds’ Showrunner Days Before Premiere, Cast Left in Limbo

NBC announced on Friday that Gail Lerner, who co‑created the upcoming sitcom “Newlyweds” with Jamie Lee Curtis, has been removed as showrunner. The decision came just days before the series was slated to premiere.

“Newlyweds,” which stars Tèa Leoni and Tim Daly alongside Curtis, has not yet aired. Lerner’s dismissal stunned the cast and production team, who were in the final stages of polishing the pilot.

Network executives said the change was driven by creative differences as the show moved toward its launch window. While the series remains on NBC’s schedule, a new showrunner will be appointed to steer the project forward.

The industry is watching closely, noting that a high‑profile shake‑up this close to a debut is unusual and could have implications for NBC’s upcoming comedy slate.