Last Man Standing Enlists Reba Showrunner to Replace Series Creator

Last Man Standing will soon have a new man in charge, Deadline reports.

Series creator Jack Burditt has asked to leave the Tim Allen comedy after suffering a family tragedy earlier this year. Kevin Abbott is set to take over following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Reba McEntire plots return to TV on ABC comedy

Burditt had been on an extended leave of absence. Abbott, who previously took over as showrunner of Rebamidway through its series run, is currently setting up a new pilot for Reba McEntire. He'll  serve as showrunner on both shows if the McEntire project, Malibu Country, is picked up for the 2012-2013 TV season.

Abbott is just waiting to get approval from TV Land, where he is under contract and serves as a consulting producer on Retired at 35.