Jamie Lee Curtis, the iconic actress and Oscar winner, has always had a soft spot for sitcoms, and her passion for the genre is evident in her latest venture, 'Newlyweds'. In this exclusive interview, I delve into her journey, the comeback of multi-camera sitcoms, and the power of television to bring joy to audiences worldwide.
A Passion for Sitcoms
Jamie Lee Curtis has always had a special connection with sitcoms. Despite her success in various genres, she has always yearned for a sitcom of her own. "I’ve always said to my agents, ‘I want to do a sitcom. All I want to do is a sitcom.’ It’s my favorite job, I love the whole part of it, every aspect of it, the dance with the cameras, the idea that you actually get to rehearse something and work it and learn a joke and play it," she shared. This love for sitcoms is not just a passing fancy; it's a deep-rooted passion that has driven her to create 'Newlyweds'.
The Comeback of Multi-Camera Sitcoms
The multi-camera sitcom format, once a staple of broadcast television, has seen a decline in recent years. However, NBC's decision to reinvest in this format with 'Newlyweds' and 'Happy's Place' is a refreshing move. "I think NBC’s decision to pick up a show that’s going to make a block of comedy on Friday nights is brilliant," Jamie Lee Curtis said. "It’s a must-see free TV experience, and it’s a reminder of the joy and comfort that sitcoms bring to audiences."
The Power of Television
Television has the unique ability to bring people together, and sitcoms are at the forefront of this experience. "I think people want to have a good time in the comfort of their own home, and they want to turn on a network show and have laughs and have feelings," Jamie Lee Curtis explained. "If that isn’t what sitcoms can do well, then I’m not sure what they do; but that’s what they do, and that’s why we love them."
The Journey of 'Newlyweds'
The journey of 'Newlyweds' began during the pandemic when Jamie Lee Curtis shared her idea with Gail Lerner, the show's writer and executive producer. "Jamie brought me this idea during the pandemic, so we’ve been really generating it for a very long time," Lerner shared. "And for a million various reasons, it was hibernating for a while, but I just knew my project was hibernating."
The show's premise is a later-in-life love story about a free-spirited woman and a buttoned-up professor who marry impetuously after a whirlwind courtship. Jamie Lee Curtis plays the professor’s ex-wife, a role she describes as "a bitch." The show's unique blend of humor and heart has resonated with audiences, and its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of sitcoms.
The Future of Sitcoms
Jamie Lee Curtis is optimistic about the future of sitcoms, particularly the multi-camera format. "My guess is then Thursdays are going to start being that, and the next thing you know, NBC is going to look like they were geniuses of bringing back the thing that real people really want, and they want it for free," she said. "They want to turn their television on and have that level of entertainment and laughter and a good feeling about who we are as a society."
In conclusion, Jamie Lee Curtis' passion for sitcoms and her commitment to the genre are inspiring. 'Newlyweds' is a testament to the power of television to bring joy and comfort to audiences worldwide. As the multi-camera sitcom format makes a comeback, it's clear that the love for this format is far from over.
