Matthew Perry to Star in ‘The Odd Couple’ Remake

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple is set to get a new adaptation on television as Matthew Perry will be the star, co-writer and executive producer of a show for CBS. CBS received script commitment plus penalty. The story focuses on the messy Oscar Madison (Perry) and “neat freak” Felix Unger, who are matched up as roomates.

Danny Jacobson will co-write with Perry. Jacobson previously co-wrote Mad About You with star Paul Reiser. The series is being produced by CBS TV Studios. This will be Perry’s return to a multi-camera sitcom filmed in front of an audience after ABC’s ‘Mr. Sunshine’ (which he co-created) and NBC’s ‘Go On’.

Perry said: “Ever since seeing the movie The Odd Couple when I was 10 years old, it has been a dream for me to play Oscar Madison. To be given the opportunity to develop a modern version of it for CBS has put a permanent smile across my face. I met up with a wonderful writing partner in Danny Jacobson. We both have such a passion for the source material that we have instantly become obsessed with making this great. Plus, I think it’s time for me to be in front of a live audience again. I miss that. The search for Felix Ungar is on!”