LEANNE. Leanne Morgan as Leanne in episode 5 of LEANNE. Cr. Patrick McElhenney/Netflix © 2025
Stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan is set to make her mark on television with a new sitcom titled “Leanne,” co-created with renowned producer Chuck Lorre. The show, which is set to premiere on July 31, 2024, on Netflix, stems from Morgan’s successful 2023 Netflix special, “I’m Every Woman,” which resonated with audiences and caught Lorre’s attention.
Lorre, known for his work on hit shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory,” was impressed by Morgan’s unique comedic voice. “It’s really simple: I saw her stand-up and I went, ‘Oh my God. This is an original voice,’” he remarked. Following their initial meeting, Lorre traveled to Morgan’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he spent time with her family. This visit led to the development of “Leanne,” produced by Warner Bros. TV.
Morgan, a mother and grandmother in her 50s, has faced obstacles in her career, including several unfruitful development deals. However, she describes this collaboration as transformative. “When Chuck Lorre flew to Knoxville and sat on my back porch and held my grandbaby, the whole thing was crazy,” she shared. “I really felt validated after 25 years of doing stand-up.”
The project gained momentum quickly, with Netflix expressing interest immediately after hearing about Lorre’s involvement. “I got a call from somebody at Netflix who said, ‘We understand you’re talking to Leanne Morgan. If you do something there, would you call us?’” Lorre recounted. The streaming platform is actively expanding its comedy offerings, with an emphasis on authentic voices like Morgan’s.
Morgan’s new sitcom, “Leanne,” is a reflection of her life experiences, albeit with a fictional twist. In the show, she portrays a woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband, played by Ryan Stiles, leaves her for someone else. While this storyline diverges from Morgan’s own happy marriage, she can relate to her character’s journey of change, especially as she navigates the challenges of starring in a television show for the first time.
The production of “Leanne” posed unique challenges for Morgan, who noted that she had little experience with the technical aspects of television. “I was overwhelmed. I’ll be 60 in October, and I don’t think my life is over, but things are a little hard for me at my age,” she admitted. Yet, Morgan found support during this transition, receiving encouragement from comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld. “He said, ‘I’m telling you, Leanne, you’re going to walk on that set, and it’s going to feel like home,’” she recalled, adding that by the end of filming, it indeed felt like home.
Her daughter, who serves as her makeup artist, accompanied Morgan on this journey to Los Angeles, enhancing her comfort during the process. Additionally, her co-stars include Kristen Johnston, known for her role in “3rd Rock from the Sun,” who became a source of friendship and guidance. Lorre praised Morgan’s ability to adapt, stating, “We threw her into the deep end too. She has some really dramatic scenes to play in these first few episodes.”
With an unprecedented 16-episode order from Netflix, “Leanne” represents a significant step for both Morgan and the platform, marking a revival of the transition from stand-up comedy to sitcoms that was prevalent in the 1990s. The show aims to capture the essence of relatable storytelling, allowing audiences to connect with Morgan’s authentic voice and experiences. As Morgan embarks on this new adventure, she hopes to inspire others, proving that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
