Leslie Odom Jr. to Star in Kerry Washington-Produced Comedy at ABC

Leslie Odom Jr. will star in an ABC comedy with Kerry Washington executive producing, according to Variety. ABC has given the comedy a put pilot commitment and it is inspired by the experiences of real-life pastors Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes-Roberts.

Odom Jr. will star as Leslie in the untitled multi-camera series. The series focuses on on Leslie and Hope, joint pastors at a young, hip, diverse church in Los Angeles. Through their services, online streams and books, they are experts at uniting people across different races, genders, orientations and opinions. But when it comes to uniting the people in their blended family, they are way out of their comfort zone and as a result, the teachers often find themselves the pupils.

"Kerry Washington is one of the most formidable artists of my generation," Odom Jr. said. "We've been searching for the better part of two years to find an idea about which we both felt passionate enough to dedicate ourselves. I've gone to Touré's church for over fifteen years. He is a unique, contemporary, and very necessary voice. We are thrilled that ABC is allowing us the opportunity to bring Touré and Sarah's modern views to an even wider audience in what will be a joyful and hopeful 30-minutes every week."

Washington spoke about the series saying, "I am grateful to be working with such an all-star team of fearless and creative people. And, I am excited that we have gathered together to tell a story that is inspiring, relatable, provocative and hilarious."

Odom Jr. will executive produce along with Washington and and Pilar Savone. Saladin Patterson will write and executive produce the project. Roberts and Jakes-Roberts will co-executive produce. Washington and Savone will produce via Washington's Simpson Street production banner. ABC Studios will produce, with Simpson Street currently under an overall deal at the studio.

Odom Jr. is a Tony award winner for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit "Hamilton." Since he completed his run in the musical, he has appeared in films like Kenneth Branagh's "Murder on the Orient Express" and recently completed production on two other features: "Only" starring opposite Freida Pinto from writer-director Takashi Dosche rand the untitled feature film directorial debut from recording artist Sia. He is also set to star in "Needle in a Timestack" written and directed by John Ridley.

Read the original article on Variety.