Fred Savage is returning to TV.
The Wonder Years star has signed on to co-star in Fox's The Grinder, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
From 20th Century Fox Television, The Grinder stars Parks and Recreation alum Rob Lowe as beloved TV lawyer Dean Sanderson (aka the Grinder). When his long-running hit series comes to an end, Sanderson finds himself at a crossroads in his life and decides to move back to his small hometown, thinking he has the experience to take over his family's law firm.
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Savage — who has focused on directing over the past decade plus — will play Stewart Sanderson, Dean's hardworking younger brother who is constantly in his shadow. When Dean returns home looking for a new direction in life, everyone is dazzled by his charm and celebrity except Stewart, whose nerves are quickly fraying. When Dean preempts an eviction case and makes it a cause celebre, Stewart is outraged by his effrontery.
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The role marks Savage's first broadcast series regular gig since 2006's ABC comedy Crumbs. His TV acting credits include voice roles in Netflix's BoJack Horseman and Family Guy and appearances as himself in Mr. Sunshine and Happy Endings. On the directing side, his long list of work includes multiple episodes of Party Down, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 2 Broke Girls, Modern Family and, most recently, an episode of The Goldbergs. He's repped by CAA and Jackoway Tyerman.
The casting reunites Savage and Lowe, who both co-starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Jarrad Paul (Yes Man, Liar Liar) and Andrew Mogel will pen the script and executive produce The Grinder alongside Sex Tape's Nicholas Stoller and Lowe. Jake Kasdan will executive produce and direct the single-camera pilot.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
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