Jamie Lee Curtis has marked nearly five decades in the entertainment industry with a return to sitcom television through NBC’s new series "Newlyweds," which debuts in the network’s Friday primetime lineup. The show, co-created by Curtis, is loosely based on her own relationship with her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, and explores the dynamic of two older adults suddenly deciding to marry.

Curtis, 67, who has an extensive career spanning film and television—including an Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy nomination—said the idea for "Newlyweds" first came to her in 2019 during a conversation with a man remarking about his “new wife.” The concept centers on the story of people in their 60s who marry impulsively and the impact their decision has on their families, friends, and their previously routine lives. Development of the show began in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic alongside co-creator Gail Lerner.

The series stars Tim Daly and Téa Leoni as the newlywed couple, who are also married in real life. Curtis noted that Leoni, seeking a lighter project, was an ideal fit for the role. The dynamic between Daly and Leoni, combined with their real-life marriage and Leoni’s experience with comedic television, adds depth to the series’ portrayal of later-life romance.

Curtis also described her own recurring role in the show as Claudia, a character who acts as both a foil and a friend to Leoni’s character, Jeanie. She hinted at deeper layers of Claudia’s personality and the introduction of her on-screen mother, played by an actor over the age of 90, which will be explored as the series unfolds.

Behind the scenes, the show underwent a significant change when co-creator and original showrunner Gail Lerner was replaced by Bruce Helford. Lerner characterized her time working on the project as "the most joyous TV experience" of her life. Curtis acknowledged the challenges of producing network television, emphasizing that running a show involves complex demands beyond the creative vision. She welcomed Helford’s leadership, citing his extensive experience and their longstanding professional relationship—he previously served as the second-in-command on Curtis’s earlier sitcom, “Anything but Love.” Curtis reflected on this connection as a full-circle moment.

Regarding her husband’s perspective on the show, Curtis said Guest is not typically drawn to sitcoms, given his focus on distinctive comedic films and television projects. Nevertheless, he supports her long-standing ambition to return to the sitcom format.

Currently, Curtis and Guest are watching the political thriller series “The Diplomat” on Netflix. She praised the writing, particularly an episode by Peter Noah, a former showrunner of “Anything but Love,” highlighting the importance of strong writing in television production.

“Newlyweds” marks Curtis’s return to a genre she has long sought to revisit, blending personal experience with television comedy under new and familiar creative leadership.