Seinfeld producing new NBC reality show

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- NBC Thursday announced plans to air a new comedy-reality series created by U.S. comedian and producer Jerry Seinfeld's Columbus 81 Productions.

Seinfeld has partnered with Ellen Rakieten, a 23-year veteran of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," on the project, which is tentatively titled "The Marriage Ref."

The show is to feature opinionated celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies for real-life couples in the midst of a classic marital dispute, NBC said.

"This is not a therapy show, it's a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich," Seinfeld said in a statement.

"It will be revealing, edgy, controversial and very, very funny. Picture well-known people weighing in on a couple's relationship issues -- and deciding who is right and who is wrong -- right on the spot, like a referee," added Rakieten.

Paul Telegdy, executive vice president of alternative programming for NBC and Universal Media Studios, noted: "While 'Seinfeld' was a hilarious look at single life, this new show will focus on the humor of relationships and marriage. It's a great fit with the slate of alternative comedy we are building at NBC."