Showtime casts Matt LeBlanc in 'Episodes'

Oct 1, 2009, 12:00 GMT

Matt LeBlanc is to play himself in a new TV show.

The actor is teaming up with 'Friends' creator David Crane and 'Mad About You' producer Jeffrey Klarik to star in 'Episodes', which will revolve around a British couple whose hit UK comedy is turned into an American sitcom starring Matt.

The former 'Friends' star said of the show - which will be created by US network Showtime and the BBC - said: "Jeffrey and David have a great idea - I love it. I am really excited to be working with Showtime and the BBC. And I am so glad I got the part, seeing someone else play Matt LeBlanc would have been devastating."

Showtime President of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt said: "We jumped at the chance to get involved with this cockeyed look at network television told through the eyes of unsuspecting British producers who don't know what hit them when they enter the lion's den of Hollywood. And Matt LeBlanc is icing on the cake."

Since 'Friends', Matt reprised his character of Joey Tribbiani in the show's spin-off 'Joey' but it failed to live up to expectations and his career has since stalled.