If pigs start to fly today, we’ll know why. According to Deadline, Charlie Sheen is reuniting with Chuck Lorre for the Big Bang Theory creator’s first comedy series at Max, How to Be a Bookie. It’s been twelve years since Sheen and Lorre stomped off in opposite directions. The duo collaborated on Lorre’s Two and a Half Men for an eight-year run before Sheen snapped and shredded Lorre publicly. Sheen’s outburst led to Lorre firing him from the mega-popular sitcom and killing his character. Ashton Kutcher replaced Sheen’s Charlie Harper on the show after Harper fell on subway tracks in Paris and got crushed by a train. Woof!
Deadline’s report says Lorre and Sheen have mended fences, with Sheen joining the new comedy in a recurring role for the single-camera comedy starring Sebastian Maniscalco (About My Father, The Super Mario Bros. Movie). Sheen is trying to make a TV comeback, with a role in Ramble On from Doug Liman also in development.
After retreating from the spotlight, Sheen reflected on his actions and publicly apologized for his behavior. His firing from Two and Half Men caused a $100 million lawsuit against Lorre and WBTV. Participating parties eventually settled, but not before bad blood was spilled. However, it appears as if Lorre and Sheen have buried the past.
How to Be a Bookie revolves around a seasoned bookie (Maniscalco) struggling to survive the impending legalization of sports gambling. Hello Sports Interaction, Fan Duel, and Betway! While coping with apps designed to make intermediaries extinct, the bookie encounters unstable clients, family, co-workers, and a crumbling lifestyle while living in Los Angeles. Omar J. Dorsey, Jorge Garcia, Andrea Anders, Vanessa Ferlito, and Maxim Swinton also star.
How to Be a Bookie is co-written by Lorre and Nick Bakay, with Lorre directing the first episode. Lorre also executive produces through his Chuck Lorre Productions, thanks to his overall deal with WBTV. Bakay, Maniscalco, Judi Marmel, and Andy Tennant also executive produce, with Tennant directing a handful of episodes.
What do you think about Lorre and Sheen getting the old band back together? Do you think their amends will last? Is Maniscalco walking into a minefield with Sheen joining the cast? Let us know what you think in the comments below.