Endemol unveils lineup for Mipcom

MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has announced that leading talent from its portfolio of US scripted series will be heading to Cannes for the television trade event Mipcom 2011 next month.

Among the international names attending the market as guests of Endemol are Happily Divorced co-writer, executive producer and star Fran Drescher as well as executive producer Peter Marc Jacobson.

Also joining Endemol?s line up this year is Kristen Johnston who has the leading role in TV Land?s latest sitcom ?The Exes?.

Endemol Worldwide Distribution CEO Cathy Payne said; "As we continue to drive our growth in US scripted programmes, we are thrilled to have star guests from these brilliant new series at Mipcom. It?s extremely exciting to be bringing such a high calibre of talent to Cannes and these stars will truly bring the shows to life for buyers at the market."

Inspired by the real life story of Drescher and her ex husband Peter Marc Jacobson, Happily Divorced is the latest sitcom offering from US network TV Land. After 18 years of marriage, Fran (Drescher) is shocked to discover that her husband Peter (John Michael Higgins) is gay. The LA based florist must deal with this bombshell and learn to juggle her new relationships and her ex-husband, who remains in the same house post-divorce.

Now renewed for a second season, Happily Divorced averaged 2.2 million total viewers in its first season, posting triple digit gains over the network?s primetime average.

Also from TV Land?s slate is The Exes - a sitcom which focuses on the lives of three men whose landlord also happens to be their female divorce attorney. Kristen Johnston (?3rd Rock from the Sun?) plays the attorney who avoids her own relationship and commitment issues by becoming immersed in the men?s affairs.

Endemol will announce further talent attending the market in due course.