Some of the biggest names in pop culture history are joining fellow TV icon Fran Drescher ("The Nanny") on new episodes of TV Land's hit sitcom, HAPPILY DIVORCED, it was announced today by Keith Cox, executive vice president, development and original programming, TV Land. Joan Collins ("Dynasty"), Robert Wagner ("Hart to Hart"), singer Cyndi Lauper and Debi Mazar ("Entourage") will appear, as will returning guest stars Ralph Macchio ("The Karate Kid"), D.W. Moffett ("Switched At Birth") and Renée Taylor ("The Nanny"). Inspired by Fran Drescher's real life, "Happily Divorced" revolves around LA florist Fran Lovett (Drescher) who finds out after 18 years of marriage that her husband Peter (John Michael Higgins, "Best in Show") is gay. Production begins on October 1 and the sitcom returns to TV Land with all-new episodes on Wednesday, November 28 at 10:30pm ET/PT immediately following the season premiere of "Hot in Cleveland."
This season, Peter gets a job working as an assistant for
Joan Collins (who plays a fictional version of herself). Peter is thrilled to be working for an icon - until he realizes that two demanding women in his life is two too many. Additionally,
Robert Wagner appears as Elliot's (Moffett) handsome father, and Marilyn (Taylor), the longtime frenemy of Fran's mother Dori (
Rita Moreno, "OZ"), will return - daughter (
Cyndi Lauper) in tow.
Debi Mazar plays a potential new roommate for one of the Lovetts. In the season premiere,
Ralph Macchio will return as Frankie, the New York born-and-bred pizza shop owner who has been romancing Fran. "Happily Divorced" also stars acclaimed actors
Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris") as Fran's best friend Judi,
Rita Moreno ("OZ") and
Robert Walden ("All The President's Men") as Fran's parents Dori and Glen and Valente Rodriguez ("
George Lopez") as Cesar, her flower shop employee.
"Between her unforgettable roles in films like 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'This is Spinal Tap' and her iconic turn as Ms. Fine in 'The Nanny,'
Fran Drescher is the epitome of pop culture," said Cox. "The addition of these amazing guest stars speaks to the widespread appeal of Fran and 'Happily Divorced.'"
Fran Drescher,
Peter Marc Jacobson ("The Nanny"),
Frank Lombardi and Franco E. Bario are executive producers, and Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox serve as executive producers for TV Land. "Happily Divorced" is filmed in front of a live studio audience.
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