Sean Hayes To Star In 'Sean Saves The World,' As NBC Picks Up Gay Actor's New Sitcom

Sean Hayes To Return To NBC In New Gay Sitcom
SEAN SAVES THE WORLD -- Pilot -- Pictured: (l-r) Samantha Isler as Ellie, Sean Hayes as Sean -- (Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
SEAN SAVES THE WORLD -- Pilot -- Pictured: (l-r) Samantha Isler as Ellie, Sean Hayes as Sean -- (Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

It looks as if Sean Hayes may have a lifelong contract with NBC.

Since his Emmy-winning turn as Jack Macfarland on the hit sitcom "Will & Grace" ended in 2006, his most prominent television roles have been guest appearances on other NBC shows such as "Up All Night," "30 Rock," and the current season of "Smash." Now the Peacock network seems poised to bump him up to leading man status again as they have announced their pick-up of Hayes's new sitcom, "Sean Saves the World," for next season.

In "Sean Saves the World," Hayes trades Jack's jazz hands for the life of a divorced gay dad who tries to find a way to balance his work life with caring for his teenage daughter who moves in with him. Could this comedy tick the "gay" box for NBC if they decide not to renew the still-on-the-bubble "The New Normal?" That remains to be seen, but having Hayes back in primetime every week should be a welcome return for the network.

Hayes, who never publicly discussed his sexuality during the eight-year run of "Will & Grace," came out as gay in 2010 after his partner, interior designer, David Phoenix, suffered a cancer scare. Aside from the recent occasional guest roles on television, Hayes also earned a Tony nomination for his performance in Broadway's "Promises, Promises," which co-starred Kristen Chenoweth.

Along with "Sean Saves the World," NBC also ordered seven other series for the upcoming Fall 2013 TV season.

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