“Will & Grace” is making a comeback.

NBC said Wednesday that 10 new episodes are set to air during the 2017-18 season. The series will feature all of the original stars including Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally.

Series creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan are aboard as executive producers, and series director James Burrows also will be back, NBC said.

In a statement, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt called the series groundbreaking for its witty approach to social issues including gay rights.

Discussions about reviving “Will & Grace” began immediately after the stars appeared in an election-themed reunion video last September, said Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment.

“The fact that all four of the original stars were excited about getting back into production is a testament to the joyful experience they had doing nearly 200 episodes for eight seasons,” she said in a statement. “Few things cut through the clutter these days, especially in comedy, and ‘Will and Grace’ is one of the best.”
The series was among the first broadcast shows to feature gay characters in lead roles and was credited by Vice President Joe Biden for educating the public on LGBT issues.
The show’s 2006 finale garnered more than 18 million viewers, the network added.
In its time on air, “Will & Grace” was nominated for 83 Emmy Awards, with 16 wins.

 

H/T The Associated Press

Filed under: debra-messing, Eric McCormack, sean-hayes, will-and-grace