A new television comedy aptly titled “Melissa & Joey,” starring former child stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, received a 10-episode order from ABC Family. It will premiere in 2010. Hart originally gained fame starring in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” from 1996 to 2003. More recently she’s better known as a photo staple “Hollywood Mom” in tabloids like People Magazine and Celebrity Baby Blog. Joey Lawrence stole America’s heart on “Brotherly Love” and “Half & Half,” before graduating to teen heart throb on “Blossom.”
Hart and Lawrence co-starred in the 2009 ABC Family movie “My Fake Fiancé,” (pictured) and network President Paul Lee said the new series was developed with them in mind. Both actors serve as executive producers on the project.
Hart will portray the grown-up former wild child of a political family who is now a local politician forced to care for her teenage niece and pre-adolescent nephew after her sister is jailed, while Lawrence portrays the family’s nanny. Good news for hopeful child actors this pilot season – children will soon be cast in the roles of Hart’s niece and nephew.
