Brow Beat

Larry Wilmore Signs Multiyear Development Deal With ABC Studios

Larry Wilmore.

Comedy Central

Larry Wilmore, host of the recently canceled Nightly Show, has signed a multiyear development deal with ABC Studios. Under the terms of the deal, Wilmore will develop his own series in addition to supervising and working with other creators.

Wilmore’s relationship with ABC goes back to Black-ish, Kenya Barris’ Emmy-nominated family sitcom now in its third season. Wilmore was set to executive-produce and helm the writer’s room, but he left to get The Nightly Show off the ground after it was picked up to series by Comedy Central. He also co-created and consults on Issa Rae’s HBO series, Insecure, and created The Bernie Mac Show, and his history stretches back through some of the most successful and influential TV shows of the last three decades, including In Living Color, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and The Office.

“I’m excited beyond words to be back at ABC and look forward to this creative partnership,” Wilmore said in a statement. “Disney took a chance on me as a young writer years ago, and so I’m thrilled to return to the Mouse House. I hope my room still looks the same.”

Wilmore established himself in front of the camera as The Daily Show With Jon Stewart’s “Senior Black Correspondent,” a role he occupied for nearly 10 years. He then segued to hosting The Nightly Show, a late-night series that boldly took on matters of race and politics but failed to connect with viewers. This ABC deal indicates Wilmore will be redirecting his focus toward the scripted TV realm, which given his résumé, likely means more good things to come.