Popular legal drama comedy series Ally McBeal might get a sequel and it hopes Calista Flockhart returns for her memorable role. ABC seems to be beefing up its legal drama line with another series focusing to be a sequel to one of its popular comedies. Karin Gist is on board as showrunner, writer and executive producer of the series.
In an article from Deadline, the sequel means to follow a young Black woman who joins the law firm from the Ally McBeal series. This time, the show will center its point of view around the daughter of Ally’s former roommate Renee Raddick. Lisa Nicole Carson played Ally’s roommate in the 1997-2002 series.
Ally McBeal Sequel In The Works – Callista Flockhart’s Return Hopeful
Image: 20th Century
The Ally McBeal series had David E. Kelley as its showrunner during its 5 years in Fox. The series won many awards including Emmy’s Outstanding Comedy Series in 1999. Even though, the sequel series in development does not mention Kelley’s involvement, he has given his blessing for the project. However, the production has approached Flockhart to return to her role to either be part of the ensemble or to executive produce the sequel. In the report, production does not expect Flockhart to make a decision without a script review. Apparently, Kelley bowed out of writing or developing the character because he believes Gist will be able to do so unquestionably.
The original series told the story of Ally’s life in love and profession. She works in a Boston law firm Cage and Fish as she maneuvers her path to personal growth. Her growth develops through her relationships in the series. Those are with her colleagues who happens to be her ex-boyfriend with his wife, her friend and confidant, her bosses and even clients. The series exists within the world of The Practice, Boston Public, and Boston Legal. In fact, there have been cross over episodes of Ally McBeal with The Practice during its run.
Ally McBeal Sequel In The Works – Callista Flockhart’s Return Hopeful
Image: CBS
Many are asking why is there a need to connect this new legal drama series to Ally McBeal in the first place? For one thing, it can really exist separately as the lead character is not directly connected to McBeal. The description also does not specify that the current law firm is still called Cage and Fish. If so, are they also featuring the next generation Cage and Fish in the series? Or are they currently working on bringing Peter MacNicol and Greg Germann back for their roles as well?
On the other hand, networks seem to rely on affinity in terms of introducing a new series. It could be a different series but there has to be a starting point of audience base for the new one to fly.
As the series is still in development, there is no official announcement as to casting, crew and release dates yet.
