Cho to co-star in new Lifetime comedy

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Lifetime Television has announced it is picking up "Drop Dead Diva," a new comedic drama series co-starring Margaret Cho.

"Drop Dead Diva" tells the story of a shallow model-in-training who dies in an accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, thoughtful and plus-size attorney, played by newcomer Brooke Elliott, the network said in a news release. Cho plays her assistant.

"Drop Dead Diva" is produced by Sony Pictures Television and is to premiere on Lifetime in this summer.

"I couldn't be more excited about 'Drop Dead Diva,'" JoAnn Alfano, executive vice president of Lifetime Networks, said in a statement. "It's the type of show that truly enhances the Lifetime brand -- the duality of emotionally compelling drama with an equal balance of humor. In 2008, we introduced some terrific new programming to the network, and 'Drop Dead Diva' is the perfect complement to our schedule."