Art Imitates Life Imitates Art

• Variety reports that ABC is developing a comedy series inspired by the real-life friendship of Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, who co-host the syndicated ABC morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan. No, seriously.

The multi-camera series is titled Work Wife, and has received a put pilot commitment at the network. The show is described as an ensemble comedy “that explores the dynamics surrounding people’s ‘work spouses,’ who have very few boundaries with each other, and how that impacts their relationships with everyone else.” Ripa has been with the show since 2001, and Seacrest joined as her permanent co-host last year.

Actor/comedian Michael Ian Black will write and executive produce the series. Seacrest will also executive produce via Ryan Seacrest Productions along with RSP’s Nina Wass and Andrea Shay. Ripa will executive produce along with her actual real-life husband, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini under their Milojo banner. ABC Studios will produce. Both Ripa and Seacrest are currently under overall deals at ABC Studios.