AceShowbiz -

The battle of the networks to win Matthew Perry's new comedy ended with a victory on ABC's side. After the news about the new show broke out yesterday, THR reported that the Alphabet could have struck "the richest deal so far this development season" with the single camera project.

It was NBC that came neck to neck with ABC to land the show as their property. NBC had the advantage of being the home of Perry's last comedy series "Friends" but ABC apparently has stronger number in the offer. The deal is still being finalized and reportedly will carry series-size penalties both to Perry and the producing studio, Sony TV.

Still untitled, the show came from the creative mind of Perry himself. Inspired by his own experience of turning 40, Perry will star in the comedy as a self-involved manager of a second-rate sports arena who re-evaluates his life as he turns 40. Apart from starring, Perry will also be active in producing and writing together with Alex Barnow and Mark Firek. The directing part meanwhile, is given to Thomas Schlamme who previously worked with Perry on "Friends".

ABC is also harboring another sitcom by "Friends" alumna, Courteney Cox. She is starring as a divorced mother of one who catches the eye of younger men on "Cougar Town".