Netflix premieres Leanne comedy starring Leanne Morgan, Kristen Johnston

The new Netflix sitcom "Leanne," co-created by comedian Leanne Morgan and famed producer Chuck Lorre, premieres on July 31 and centers on a grandmother whose life is upended when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Drawing on autobiographical elements, the show blends southern charm with humor, capturing the challenges of starting over later in life, including navigating menopause and caring for elderly parents. Ryan Stiles, known for his roles on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “Two and a Half Men,” stars as Leanne’s husband, bringing authenticity to the role of a man who leaves his wife but later feels remorse. Morgan’s rise to this moment was unconventional, having started stand-up later in life and gaining viral fame during the pandemic, which led to her 2023 Netflix special and this sitcom opportunity. Kristen Johnston co-stars as Leanne’s wisecracking sister, providing support and comic relief as Leanne rebuilds her life. The series marks a return to multi-camera sitcoms in an era when the genre has declined, with Lorre and Morgan discussing the challenges of adapting stand-up comedy to television while maintaining authenticity.