CMT Greenlights First Scripted Series

CMT will take a stab at the scripted comedy genre next year, greenlighting production of a scripted comedy titled Working Class.

The half-hour family-oriented sitcom will star Melissa Peterman, host of CMT's top-rated show The Singing Bee,
according to the network. Peterman will portray a single blue collar
mom who has recently moved her family to a rich suburban neighborhood to
try and provide a better life for her kids, while proudly retaining her
‘working class' roots. 

The 12-episode series, set to premiere January 2011, will be written and executive produced by Jill Cargerman (Spin City, Las Vegas, Gary Unmarried). 

"Working Class
is a fantastic series to launch CMT into the sitcom format," said Brad
Johnson, senior vice president of development for CMT in a statement.
"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."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.