In the ever-evolving world of television comedy, few names shine as brightly as Chuck Lorre, the mastermind behind iconic sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, and Young Sheldon. Known for his Midas touch in crafting laugh-out-loud, heartfelt shows that resonate with millions, Lorre has once again captured the spotlight with his latest venture, Leanne, a Netflix multicam sitcom that premiered on July 31, 2025. Teaming up with stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan, Lorre has delivered a fresh, hilarious, and deeply relatable series that’s already climbing the charts and sparking buzz about its future. Recently, Lorre and Morgan broke their silence, sharing tantalizing hints about what lies ahead for this comedic gem, leaving fans eager for more.
Leanne centers on Leanne Morgan, who plays a fictionalized version of herself—a Southern grandmother whose life is upended when her husband of 33 years, Bill, leaves her for a younger woman. Far from a typical sitcom premise, the show blends humor with poignant themes of reinvention, menopause, and family dynamics, all wrapped in Morgan’s signature Southern charm and wit. The 16-episode first season, which dropped all at once on Netflix, has been praised for its heartwarming storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments, earning an 82% critics’ score and a perfect 100% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But what makes this collaboration between Lorre and Morgan so special, and what do they have in store for the future?
The genesis of Leanne lies in Morgan’s breakout 2023 Netflix stand-up special, I’m Every Woman, which became the streamer’s most-watched female comedy special, amassing 11 million views globally. Lorre, a seasoned producer with a knack for spotting talent, was captivated by Morgan’s authentic voice and relatable humor. Her stories of family life, aging, and resilience struck a chord, inspiring him to craft a sitcom around her unique perspective. Morgan, a Tennessee native who honed her craft in comedy clubs for over two decades, was initially overwhelmed by the opportunity. At 59, she stepped into her first starring role, bringing her lived experience to the character of Leanne, a woman navigating heartbreak and rediscovery with grit and grace.
The show’s premise resonates deeply with audiences, particularly women over 50 who feel overlooked by society. Morgan’s character, Leanne, faces the chaos of divorce, menopause, and parenting adult children while leaning on her quirky family for support. The ensemble cast, including Kristen Johnston as her fiery sister Carol, Ryan Stiles as her estranged husband Bill, and Tim Daly as a charming FBI agent sparking a new romance, adds depth and humor to the narrative. The show’s setting, infused with Southern traditions like church gatherings and jello salad, grounds it in a relatable, nostalgic warmth that feels both fresh and timeless.
In recent interviews, Lorre and Morgan have hinted at big plans for Leanne’s future. Morgan expressed her hope for a second season, noting that the first season’s finale—where Leanne balances a romantic getaway, a new grandchild, and her ex-husband’s health scare—sets up endless possibilities. “I want people to see what Leanne does next,” Morgan said, emphasizing her desire to explore her character’s journey of self-discovery, whether through new career ventures or deeper relationships. Lorre, known for his improvisational approach to storytelling, cautioned against planning too far ahead, preferring to let the show evolve organically. “We discover the show as we go,” he explained, hinting that unexpected twists could emerge from the cast’s chemistry and real-time performances.
The collaboration between Lorre and Morgan is a match made in sitcom heaven. Lorre’s track record speaks for itself—he’s built hit shows around comedians like Roseanne Barr, Melissa McCarthy, and Sebastian Maniscalco, each time translating their stand-up personas into compelling TV characters. Morgan, with her down-to-earth humor and infectious energy, fits perfectly into this mold. Her transition from stand-up to sitcom star wasn’t without challenges—she admitted to being nervous on the Warner Bros. set, surrounded by a crew of 250 and seasoned actors like Johnston, who offered sage advice: “Be funny, like Lucille Ball.” Morgan’s ability to channel her authentic self into the role has won over audiences, who see her as a beacon of resilience and humor.
The show’s success also reflects a broader shift in Lorre’s work. While his earlier hits like The Big Bang Theoryappealed to broad audiences with universal themes, Leanne targets a more mature demographic, particularly women navigating midlife transitions. This focus fills a void left by Lorre’s previous sitcom Mom, which tackled serious issues with humor and heart. Morgan’s character, with her unapologetic embrace of aging and femininity, resonates with viewers who feel underrepresented in mainstream media. The show’s blend of multicam sitcom energy and modern storytelling has sparked comparisons to classics like Everybody Loves Raymond, proving that the format still has life.
As for what’s next, Morgan and her co-star Johnston have teased dream casting for a potential second season, naming Mom alums like Allison Janney and Jaime Pressly as perfect fits for the show’s Southern-fried vibe. Executive producer Nick Bakay hinted at storylines that didn’t make it into season one, suggesting that Leanne’s journey could explore new romantic, professional, or familial challenges. The show’s writers, including Morgan herself, have woven her love for Zumba classes and church basements into the narrative, ensuring that her voice remains central to the story.
Leanne’s rise on Netflix’s Top 10 charts underscores its appeal, with fans praising its relatable humor and emotional depth. For Lorre, it’s another feather in his cap, though it’s his lowest Rotten Tomatoes score since 2021’s United States of Al. Still, the “fresh” 82% rating and perfect audience score signal strong potential for longevity. Morgan, meanwhile, is embracing her moment in the spotlight, with two more Netflix comedy specials in the pipeline and a nationwide stand-up tour titled Just Getting Started. Her message of empowerment—that women over 50 are “smarter and better than ever”—has struck a chord, turning Leanne into more than just a sitcom but a cultural movement.
As fans eagerly await news of a second season, Leanne stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between a comedy legend and a rising star. With Lorre’s golden touch and Morgan’s irresistible charm, the show promises to deliver more laughs, heart, and Southern sass. Whether Leanne finds love, a new purpose, or just another batch of jello salad, one thing is certain: this sitcom is only just beginning to shine.
