NBC announces it will revive "Men Behaving Badly" —sitcom to star Bush and Putin

Network television programming isn't usually known for it's long term vision, especially when it comes to thirty minute sitcoms. "It's usually a hit or miss proposition, not a lot of upfront planning or investment from the network," explains NBC program director Bob Mehlman. But with his newest project the situation is definitely different. Mehlman announced today that his network is setting its sights on the long run as they begin development on a revival of their classic comedy hit "Men Behaving Badly" —and cast as the leads? George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin!

The original show ran for two seasons in the mid-90's and starred the comedic talents of Rob Schneider and Ken Marino. "We haven't decided whether we will try to fold Bush and Putin into those character roles directly or whether we're going to do something more in the order of a thematic variation on the first program, which was itself something of a derivation from an earlier program produced in England by the BBC," Mehlman explained. "We're still working out scripting ideas and a production schedule."

While it is widely known that Bush will be looking for things to fill his time in early 2009, there are still questions about Putin's obligations, what with his new role as Russian Prime Minister, after having stepped down from the Russian presidency early this year. Putin's agent has assured the network that his client can balance whatever demands the shooting schedule might make on him. Unofficial word from within NBC is that production would begin in summer 2009 with a premier broadcast slated for early 2010.

"We're really excited about this program," Mehlman enthused as a he spoke at a press briefing in New York," Putin and Bush already have this antic chemistry —Hope & Crosby, Martin & Lewis, Rowen & Martin— I really see a potential for these two to be another one of those legendary comedic pairs." Mehlman would not disclose any detailed information on the compensation being offered the two world leaders, but with plans for cross market promotions and merchandising already in the works, he explained,"you might say the sky is the limit."