LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The WB has announced it plans to hold off the launch of its new fall comedy "Commando Nanny" as co-star Gerald McRaney underwent surgery Monday at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to remove a small cancerous growth from his lung.
Production will be suspended for at least one month while McRaney recovers. Doctors discovered the growth while examining him in preparation for a minor knee surgery. While malignant, the growth was detected at its earliest stage and he's expected to make a full recovery.
"Nanny," which was originally slated to premiere on September 17 at 8:30/7:30c, will be replaced by "Grounded for Life," which moves from its fall time period of 9:30/8:30c. Repeats of Thursday hit "Blue Collar TV" will then run in the 9:30/8:30c half-hour as they have over the summer.
The news marks the second health-related incident to strike the series. Original star Philip Winchester broke his foot earlier this month putting him out of commission for six weeks, forcing producers to recast the role in order to meet deadlines for a fall debut. Now with the entire production sidelined by McRaney's recovery, it's not clear if replacement Owain Yeoman or Winchester will have the title role.
An official press release from the WB is expected later today.
|