MUMBAI: In a bid to strengthen comedy offerings in the future the BBC has joined forces with renowned US comedy producer Caryn Mandabach (The Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3rd Rock From The Sun, That 70s Show). The two parties have signed a development deal. In India, the last two shows mentioned air on Star World.

The BBC will fund Mandabach to develop five comedy scripts. The move by Mandabach has resulted in her starting a UK company, Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The company will retain complete ownership of all projects and their respective formats. Working directly with the BBC's Head of Comedy Commissioning, Mark Freeland, Mandabach already has one script in development with writer Simon Nye called Men Behaving Badly.

Mandabach said, "I've been a fan of British comedy for all my career. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with so many great artists and for such a legendary institution." Freeland says, "The BBC is delighted to be in business with someone as uniquely dynamic and productive as Caryn. With her brilliant track record and nose for mainstream hits, we hope that she will complement all the work we already do with UK comedy talent."