Of all the new shows that were set to debut this fall, NBC’s Parenthood seemed to be one of the most promising. Based on its familiar brand name and the healthy amount of confidence that NBC had in the project, the network had already begun running promotional spots for the show; additionally, major publications like the Los Angeles Times have already penned positive features on it. However, news out of Burbank this afternoon has the show moving out of its previously scheduled September 23 premiere and into a mid-season spot owing to an unspecified illness that star Maura Tierney is currently experiencing. “Start of production on NBC Universal’s new series Parenthood has been postponed for eight weeks due to medical evaluation that valued cast member Maura Tierney is undergoing,†the Peacock announced in a statement. Alas, this isn’t the first time tragedy has struck this particular reboot.
Back when the show’s pilot was being filmed in early May, 44-year-old NBC vice-president of Drama Nora O’Brien passed away unexpectedly while visiting the production. According to the Los Angeles Times, she was playing a game of pickup basketball with some colleagues when she complained of dizziness and then suddenly collapsed. She was quickly rushed to a hospital, but was pronounced dead when she arrived.
We’re not exactly sure what ailment Tierney is suffering from, but The Hollywood Reporter’s Nellie Andreeva reports that Tierney “has been public about her long struggle to quit smoking.†We wish Tierney a speedy recovery.