Sean Hayes to play gay dad in NBC's 'Sean Saves The World'

Sean Hayes is returning to NBC, starring in a new sitcom, Sean Saves the World.

Will & Grace rocketed Hayes to fame during his eight-season Emmy-winning run as Jack McFarland. Since the end of Will & Grace in 2006, Hayes has guest stared on many other NBC sitcoms, and it seems he’s ready to take the leading role again in Sean Saves the World, premiering next season.

Sean Saves the World is about a divorced gay dad who attempts to find balance after his teenage daughter moves in with him. The existing issue of “having it all” is complicated by the frequent appearances of his overbearing mother.

The addition of a sitcom featuring a gay character is a positive sign following the cancellation of five other NBC shows, which featured gay or lesbian characters. The Baltimore Sun reports that a dozen shows featuring gay or lesbian characters have recently been cancelled, including NBC’s The New Normal and Smash.

Hayes’ new comedy could give the network a huge boost, possibly drawing gay viewership. The success of the comedy is unclear at the present, but Hayes’ sitcom return should be positive for the network.

While Hayes stayed mum about his sexual orientation throughout his run on Will & Grace the actor came out in 2010. according to On Top Magazine, the actor told The Advocate in 2010 that, despite not publicly being out as gay, he was “never in.”

image: NBC