TVSquad

If you don't count Hank -- and I'm trying to erase the two episodes I saw from my memory banks -- ABC has had a pretty good year launching new comedies. In fact, if you go back to the spring, you can add Better Off Ted to Cougar Town, The Middle and Modern Family.

Why then would ABC be giving Nicole Richie a new sitcom? I just don't see where she's worthy of a show, let alone that she has the star appeal or talent to carry a situation comedy.

Perhaps ABC has some take on The Simple Life star that I'm missing. She's cute, yes. She's not a complete airhead judging by what I've seen of her on talk shows. But, really, aren't there better actresses -- stars -- who are more viable for a new comedy series? Stars will more talent than celebrity to their credit.

I could make a list, but I won't. I'll just let you all know that people involved with Californication -- writer Daisy Gardner -- and According to Jim -- executive producer Warren Bell -- are not in my upper echelon of talent.

It sounds like a disaster in the making, and considering the current economic climate, who's putting up the dough for this and assessing this collaboration? I wouldn't ask anybody who's produced the black hole that was According to Jim to put together a garage sale, let alone a new sitcom!

Well, even if I'm not excited, Nicole is. On her web site, she wrote, "The story revolves around a young, modern and professional woman who must balance her business and family relationships. She must deal with, and navigate the many ideas of what a woman's role is: modern vs. traditional."

Is that special? Well, are you excited?