February 1, 2014 - 12:49 AMT
“Friends” star David Schwimmer to topline ABC comedy “Irreversible”

David Schwimmer is making his return to series television. The Friends alum has been tapped to star in ABC's Irreversible, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Based on the Israeli series Bilti Hafich, the comedy pilot centers on Andy and Sarah, a somewhat eccentric, self-absorbed couple, and their trials and tribulations, many of which they bring on themselves. The original series ranks as the No. 1 original comedy on Israeli broadcast TV.

Schwimmer will play Andy, a writer with two books under his belt -- one that did very well and one that was a complete failure. He now makes a living conducting writing workshops part-time at the university, and has had a hard time mustering up the energy/resources to write his next novel, especially since his baby girl was born. Andy is a pessimist and one prone to extremes. He's a classic spoiled only child with a tendency to complicate things and get into trouble -- but he will always avoid conflict. He masks his low self-esteem with sarcasm, which often leads to blowing up emotionally charged situations.

The casting marks Schwimmer's return to series television following his 10-season run on NBC's Friends. In the years since, Schwimmer has predominately focused on features including the Madagascar franchise, and stage work, starring in London's Some Girl(s) and Broadway's The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. He has also had guest roles on NBC's 30 Rock, HBO's Entourage and Friends alum Lisa Kudrow's Showtime comedy Web Therapy. The actor also dipped his toe into TV directing, helming a few episodes of Matt LeBlanc's Friends' spinoff Joey and NBC's midseason comedy Growing Up Fisher, among others.

Schwimmer joins fellow Friends alums on the small screen, including LeBlanc (Showtime's Episodes), Kudrow and Courteney Cox (TBS' Cougar Town). Matthew Perry, meanwhile, is attached to star in a reboot of The Odd Couple, which is in the works at CBS (though the network has not yet ordered it to pilot).

Irreversible hails from Segahl Avin, who co-created the original series. Avin will pen the script, direct and executive produce the Sony Pictures Television and Reshet TV single-camera vehicle alongside Peter Tolan and Michael Wimer. Schwimmer will also serve as a producer.