CMT Greenlights First Sitcom "WORKING CLASS" Starring Melissa Peterman To Premiere In January 2011

Network Orders 12 Episodes With Production To Begin in October

CMT has ordered 12 episodes of its first scripted comedy, WORKING CLASS, a half-hour, family-oriented sitcom starring Melissa Peterman. Set to premiere on CMT in January 2011, WORKING CLASS follows the life of 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.

"WORKING CLASS is a fantastic series to launch CMT into the sitcom format," said Brad Johnson, senior vice president, development, CMT. "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."

"It's exciting to be a part of CMT's entry into the scripted comedy world and I'm thrilled they are jumping in with me onboard," said Peterman. "I loved the show and the character the first time I read the script - it's funny, smart and the subject matter is relevant and relatable."

Peterman, the host of CMT's #1-rated series of 2009, THE SINGING BEE, recently starred in her first televised special MELISSA PETERMAN: AM I THE ONLY ONE for CMT. She has also starred in "Reba" as well as other television shows, including "Surviving Suburbia," "Rita Rocks," "Just Shoot Me" and "Living with Abandon." She has hosted CMT's COMEDY STAGE, as well as the annual Hollywood Bowl's "The Sound of Music" Sing-A-Long. Peterman was recently signed to Big Machine Records to release her first comedy album and is currently on tour with Reba, George Strait and Lee Ann Womack.

WORKING CLASS is written and executive produced by Jill Cargerman ("Spin City," "Las Vegas," "Gary Unmarried") and will be produced internally. Brad Johnson and Bob Kusbit will oversee the series for CMT.