Skip to main content By Nellie Andreeva Nellie Andreeva Editor-In-Chief @DeadlineNellie More Stories By Nellie ‘Newlyweds’ Co-Creator Gail Lerner Fired As Showrunner Of New NBC Sitcom Ahead Of Premiere Skydance TV: George Cheeks’ Evolution From The Business Guy To Chief Content Officer & JB Perrette’s Linear-Streaming Job Bundle Channing Dungey Re-Upping Contract As She Takes On Expanded Skydance Role With Title Still TBD View All October 9, 2026 1:33pm Add us as a Google Preferred Source Gail L
Well, folks, it seems like NBC’s upcoming sitcom ‘Newlyweds’ is already giving us the kind of drama you expect from a reality show and not a scripted comedy. Just days before its premiere, news broke that Gail Lerner, the co-creator and showrunner, has been unceremoniously shown the door. I mean, who needs a stable production environment when you can have a good old-fashioned firing, right?
Now, for those of you who might not be familiar with Lerner, she’s no stranger to the world of television. With a resume that boasts work on shows like ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘The Goldbergs,’ you’d think she’d be a shoe-in for success. But alas, the entertainment industry is a fickle mistress, and it seems Lerner’s luck ran out just before ‘Newlyweds’ even had a chance to grace our screens.
The drama unfolded as multiple sources, including Entertainment Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety, reported on Lerner’s exit. And while we’re all for a little behind-the-scenes intrigue, it does raise the question: what could possibly go wrong with a show that hasn’t even aired yet?
Now, I can hear the collective gasps from the audience. You might be wondering, “Did she accidentally cast a talking dog?” or “Did she pitch a plot twist involving time travel?” Nope! The reasons behind such a drastic move remain shrouded in mystery, much like the ending of a terrible movie that leaves you questioning your life choices.
Lerner herself expressed her sadness over the situation. Can you blame her? I mean, imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project only to be given the ol’ heave-ho before it even makes its debut. It’s like preparing for a big date only to be ghosted at the last minute. Ouch.
So, what does this mean for ‘Newlyweds’? Well, the show must go on, as they say, and NBC will likely scramble to find a replacement who can step in and hopefully not burn down the entire production. Let’s just hope the new showrunner doesn’t decide to take the show in a completely different direction, like turning it into a gritty crime drama or a musical about the struggles of being newly married.
In the end, the entertainment industry is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. It’s a reminder that even seasoned professionals can face challenges that lead to abrupt changes. So, as we gear up for ‘Newlyweds,’ let’s hope that the remaining team can salvage Lerner’s vision and deliver a show that lives up to its potential. And who knows? Maybe this drama will make for a great episode in the next season of ‘Behind the Scenes: The Real Story.’ Stay tuned!
Inspired by: “‘Newlyweds’ Co-Creator Gail Lerner Fired As Showrunner Of New NBC Sitcom Ahead Of Premiere” (r/Entertainment)