CBS and Warner Bros. Television could appoint a new head writer/producer to oversee Two and a Half Men under a secret compromise deal being suggested to return Charlie Sheen to the hit sitcom.
“Charlie is a big fan of Don Reo, a producer and writer who joined ‘Men’ last year and currently holds the title of consulting producer,” said a production source with knowledge of the plan. “It’s been suggested that a compromise deal could be struck: Reo could take on the main role and essentially become a point person for Charlie, ensuring he avoids the regular contact he once had with Chuck Lorre.”
Sheen and Lorre’s clash is the main reason for the show canceling its final eight episodes this season. The actor has spoken out often and strongly against the show’s executive producer and co-creator and Lorre has made his feelings about Sheen clearly known through the “vanity cards” at the end of episodes.
The source suggested the proposed deal would install Reo, a highly-talented television veteran, into the supervising chair as a kind-of peacemaker in a move that would allow Lorre to take a back seat from ‘Men’ and focus on his two other money-making machines, CBS sitcoms The Big Bang Theory and Mike & Molly.
Lorre could retain top billing with his executive producer and creator credits, the source added. Said the insider: “Chuck wouldn’t lose out, financially, at all.”
It is not yet known if Lorre is open to the deal.
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