Book of Mormon’s Andrew Rannells Teams with Ryan Murphy on TV Comedy Pilot

“Book of Mormon” star Andrew Rannells will work with “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy on a new, as yet untitled blended family comedy series for NBC and 20th Century Fox. “Glee” writer Ali Adler is the co-creator of the show.

The single-camera comedy has been described “a heartwarming comedy about a blended family of a gay couple and the woman who becomes a surrogate to help them start a family,” reports Playbill. The show was landed by NBC following a multiple network bidding war.

Murphy and Adler are writing the script for the pilot along with Dante Di Loreto, who is currently the producer for the FX horror series “American Horror Story” that also was created by Murphy. The pilot has not yet been given the official go-ahead, but Deadline.com reports that it is expected to soon.

Previously known to Broadway crowds for his work in “Hairspray” and “Jersey Boys,” Rannells was nominated for last year’s Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Elder Kevin Price in “The Book of Mormon.” Co-star Josh Gad also was nominated for the same award. Though neither won, the musical did earn nine 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. The two actors also are nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater album at this year’s 54th Annual Grammy Awards that will be held next month.

It also has been announced that Rannells will guest star on an episode of “Girls,” the upcoming HBO series staring Lena Dunham.

Many other Broadway stars have announced crossovers to the small screen recently, including Megan Hilty’s announcement that she will star on the upcoming NBC musical “Smash.” Additionally, it was announced on January 18 that stage veteran Brian Stokes Mitchell will appear on “Glee” as one of Rachel Berry’s gay dads. Jeff Goldblum will play the other half of the couple.