Steve Byrne to Star in TBS's New Comedy Series SULLIVAN AND SON

By: Feb. 13, 2012
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TBS has given the greenlight to the new comedy series SULLIVAN AND SON, starring popular comedian Steve Byrne and executive-produced by Vince Vaughn (The Break- Up), Peter Billingsley (Iron Man) and showrunner Rob Long (Cheers). Byrne also serves as producer on the series, which comes to TBS from Vaughn's Wild West Picture Show Productions, in association with Warner Horizon Television. The pilot was co-written by Byrne and Long, with Ted Wass (Rules of Engagement) directing. TBS has ordered 10 episodes of the series, which is slated to premiere this summer.

"Sullivan and Son is a smart, funny, workplace comedy from the distinct comedy voices of Steve Byrne and Rob Long," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. "The barstools at Sullivan's bar are filled with outrageous, unique characters, and Steve and Rob have created an outstanding in which they can shine. We are extremely proud of this show and look forward to spending many nights throwing one back with the regulars at Sullivan & Son."

Sullivan and Son takes place in a popular and legendary neighborhood bar in a working-class neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Penn. Filled with locals and regulars, Sullivan & Son is the unofficial "town hall" to the neighborhood. As the series opens, Steve Sullivan (Byrne) is a successful corporate attorney from New York who brings his girlfriend, Ashley (guest star Brooke Lyons - 2 Broke Girls) for a visit just as his Irish-American father, Jack Sullivan (Dan Lauria - The Wonder Years), and Korean mother, Ok Cha (Jodi Long - Beginners), are preparing to sell the bar and retire.

Upon arrival, Steve reconnects with his best friend, Owen (Owen Benjamin - The House Bunny); gets accosted by his long-suffering, under-appreciated younger sister, Susan (Vivian Bang - Yes Man); endures offensive comments from gruff barfly Hank (Brian Doyle Murray - Groundhog Day, Saturday Night Live); and gets hit on by tipsy cougar Carol (Christine Ebersole - Royal Pains, Amadeus). He even feels a rekindled romantic spark with his former sweetheart, Melanie (Valerie Azlynn - Tropic Thunder).

It doesn't take Steve long to realize that what he really wants out of life is to return to the old neighborhood and take over Sullivan & Son, even if it means giving up a lavish Manhattan lifestyle with the gorgeous Ashley. And so begins Steve's quest for a more meaningful and rewarding life behind the bar.

In addition to Sullivan and Son, TBS recently announced that this summer, the network will premiere the new buddy comedy series Men at Work, starring Danny Masterson, James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. Also this year, TBS will launch The Wedding Band, a new scripted comedy series starring Brian Austin Green, Harold Perrineau, Peter Cambor and Derek Miller, Melora Hardin, Jenny Wade and Kathryn Fiore.

About Warner Horizon Television

Warner Horizon Television (WHTV) is one of the entertainment industry's leading producers of scripted series for the cable marketplace and primetime reality series for both network and cable. Founded in 2006, this second production entity allows the Warner Bros. Television Group to expand its programming offerings and explore creative options made possible under a new business model. WHTV's current unscripted series are The Voice for NBC, The Bachelor franchise - which includes The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor Pad - for ABC, Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew for MTV and Oh Sit! for The CW. Scripted programs from WHTV are Rizzoli & Isles and Dallas for TNT, Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game for ABC Family, Longmire for A&E and Political Animals for USA Network.

About TBS

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television's top-rated comedy network and is available in 100 million households. It serves as home to the Emmy(R)-nominated late-night series CONAN, starring Conan O'Brien; and original primetime comedy series like the upcoming Men at Work and The Wedding Band. TBS also features an outstanding slate of contemporary comedies, such as The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy and The Office, as well as blockbuster movies and championship sports. In addition, TBS produces special live comedy events, including the star-studded comedy festival held each year in Chicago.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.



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