THE GRINDER: THE GRINDER premieres this Fall on FOX. Pictured L-R: Rob Lowe and Fred Savage. ©2015 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Ray Mickshaw/FOX
Greg Malins has exited Fox’s Rob Lowe vehicle “The Grinder” as showrunner, just about one month before its premiere, Variety has confirmed. Today marks the first day of shooting on episode two.
A replacement for Malins has not yet been named, though an announcement is expect soon, as the comedy bows Sept. 29.
Malins is leaving over creative differences, insiders say, over the direction of the show. He and the creators, Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul, decided to go their separate ways.
His departure, first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, marks the fourth showrunner change on a new series for this upcoming television season. Just last week, Variety learned “Chicago Med” helmer Andrew Dettmann is no longer attached to the Dick Wolf NBC spinoff, and Jennifer Schuur, who created Shondaland’s upcoming drama “The Catch,” exited the midseason series, along with exec producer Josh Reims. Another ABC drama, “Blood and Oil,” also lost a showrunner with Jon Harmon Feldman taking the reins for original showrunner Cynthia Cidre.
“The Grinder” revolves around a famous TV lawyer (Lowe), known as the Grinder, who returns to his small-town home, after his show is cancelled to work for his family’s real law firm. Fred Savage co-stars as Lowe’s onscreen brother.
Mogel and Paul will exec produce with Nicholas Stoller and Jake Kasdan, who directed the pilot.
