Netflix Taps Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda For New Series

Netflix continues to draw top celebrity talent for its original series, signing veteran actresses Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin to star in a new comedy series.

The series, Grace and Frankie, will star Fonda and Tomlin as long-time rivals brought together by an unusual change in their marital circumstances, said network officials. The 13-episode series, which will be produced by Skydance Productions, and written and created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, will debut next year.

“Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are among the funniest and most formidable actresses ever and it’s an incredible privilege to give them the opportunity to run riot on Netflix,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer in a statement. “The show created for them by Marta and Howard is warm, very funny and anything but wholesome. We can’t wait.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.