Criss Angel: The Sitcom?

Variety reports that magician Criss Angel has struck a deal with NBC to develop a sitcom based loosely on the early days of his career. The pilot for the "workplace comedy set in the world of magic" will be scripted by actor-turned-writer Chris Moynihan, whose previous credits include, um, acting in the short-lived U.S. version of the British sitcom Coupling.

Angel, who recently opened a poorly reviewed Las Vegas show called Believe, is best known as the star of the A&E show Mindfreak, showcasing his street-level magic, and was also a judge on the NBC reality show Phenomenon. Angel always struck me as someone who took himself way too seriously to be intentionally funny; I think I'm always laughing at him rather than with him. At least he's not planning to star in this show; perhaps he's learned a little something from fellow Vegas presence Emeril Lagasse (remember Emeril's sitcom? Anyone?).

Photo courtesy of A&E