COMEDY QUEENS

Newlyweds ditz of the sea Jessica Simpson has signed a deal with ABC to headline her own sitcom. "Jessica has infectious energy and unmistakable star quality," says ABC's entertainment president Susan Lyne. "She also has a built-in fan base in both music and television, which is a great jumping off point for us. We're looking forward to developing the ideal showcase for her considerable talents." CBS, meanwhile, has tapped ex-Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff to headline her own sitcom pilot targeted for next fall. The project is being described as a domestic comedy along the lines of Family Ties.

TV GuideNews Nov. 7, 2003 at 12:00 a.m. PT