After an unforgettable 12-year run as Penny in The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco ventured into more dramatic roles with The Flight Attendant on Max and Based on a True Story on Peacock. Although the former was canceled this year, Cuoco’s return to television is already making waves with her latest project. Fans of Cuoco’s comedic chops, rejoice—she’s heading back to her sitcom roots, and I couldn’t be more pumped.
Cuoco is set to star in and executive produce a new half-hour comedy, Kansas City Star, which is reportedly heading to HBO after a heated bidding war. It’s easy to see why multiple networks were eager to secure this show, especially with Cuoco’s star power. The project, developed by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky—creators of the hit comedy Hacks—seems like a perfect fit for HBO, known for both edgy content and high-quality shows.
While the details of Kansas City Star are still under wraps, the basic premise is already intriguing. Cuoco will play a famous-but-not-too-famous actress who returns to her hometown to share her experience and wisdom with a regional theater’s acting troupe. The storyline seems poised to humorously explore the entertainment industry while offering a lighthearted take on small-town life. It’s the kind of quirky yet heartfelt comedy fans have been craving.
The show is being categorized as a “comedy with a heart,” which is an interesting move for HBO, a network known for pushing boundaries. But with Cuoco’s versatility, including her raunchy voice work as Harley Quinn on Max’s Harley Quinn, there’s likely to be a mix of wholesome moments and some colorful language—especially if the show’s characters follow her usual comedic tone.
At this stage, no official deals have been finalized, but the expectation is that HBO will soon greenlight the series. Kansas City Star will be produced under Cuoco’s overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, which also houses the creators of Hacks. If the show gets the green light, it will join HBO’s expanding comedy lineup, which includes projects from comedy giants like Steve Carell, Bill Lawrence, and Tim Robinson.
Fans of Cuoco’s sitcom roots can look forward to a fresh, new comedy that blends her knack for humor with a dose of heartfelt moments. It’s the perfect way to bring her back to TV and we’re here for it.
