George Lopez to launch TBS talk show in November

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – TBS is throwing its hat into the late-night ring with a new talk show starring actor-comic George Lopez.

The project represents Lopez’s return to series TV after his eponymous ABC sitcom ran for six seasons until 2007. The as-yet-untitled talk show will launch in November at 11 p.m. weeknights, putting its second half hour against NBC’s “The Tonight Show” and CBS’ “Late Night.”

The network said in a statement it plans an “outdoor street-party atmosphere” along with celebrity guests, live music and comedy acts. The show will also feature audience members interacting with guests.

“If change can come to the White House, then change can come to late night,” Lopez said. “Yes I can!”

TBS has been testing the waters in late-night, most recently with improv comedy “10 Items or Less” and sketch comedy “Frank TV.”

“We’ve been hunting and pecking our way around the schedule, but when you have a young, diverse and vibrant show with an insanely popular host, it allows you to go into it in a big way,” said Michael Wright, head of programing at TNT and TBS.

As for TBS’ existing late-night entries, the network has decided not to renew “Frank TV,” while “10 Items” is still under consideration and could run at an earlier time if picked up. Reruns of “George Lopez” now run on Nick at Nite.