CMT Greenlights Sitcom

LOS ANGELES: CMT has ordered 12 episodes of the its first scripted comedy, Working Class, starring Melissa Peterman.

The half-hour family sitcom is slated to premiere on CMT in January 2011. Working Class follows the life a single blue-collar mom, who recently moved her family into a rich suburban neighborhood.

Peterman is host of CMT’s The Singing Bee and recently starred in her first televised special, Melissa Peterman: Am I the Only One, for CMT.

"Working Class is a fantastic series to launch CMT into the sitcom format," said Brad Johnson, the senior VP of development at CMT. "The combination of Melissa’s undeniable likeability and comedic skills and Jill Cargerman’s heartfelt, hilarious writing make this an optimistic, domestic comedy that appeals to the entire family."

"It’s exciting to be a part of CMT’s entry into the scripted comedy world and I’m thrilled they are jumping in with me onboard," said Peterman. "I loved the show and the character the first time I read the script—it’s funny, smart and the subject matter is relevant and relatable."