Reba McEntire Drama “Fried Green Tomatoes” in the Works at NBC; Norman Lear to Produce

NBC has put in development a proposed drama series based on the novel and movie “Friend Green Tomatoes” headlined by Reba McEntire and produced by Norman Lear. Written by Jennifer Cecil, the project is described as a modernization of the beloved novel and movie that explores the lives of descendants from the original work. When present-day Idgie Threadgoode (McEntire) returns to Whistle Stop after a decade away, she must wrestle with a changed town, estranged daughter, faltering cafe and life-changing secret.

Cecil and McEntire executive produce with Lear, who was an executive producer on the film, and his producing partner Brent Miller via their Act III Productions banner. Fannie Flagg, author of the “Fried Green Tomatoes” novel and co-writer of the film’s screenplay, will also executive produce. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.

The novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” was originally published in 1987. The film version was released in 1991 and starred Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, and Cicely Tyson. Tandy received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her role in the film, while Flagg and co-writer Carol Sobieski were nominated for best adapted screenplay. It was a staple on NBC, with the network running the film annually for years.