NBC renews ‘Undateable’ for an all-live third season

“Undateable” is coming back for a third season on NBC, but with a twist: All 13 episodes of the multi-camera comedy will be broadcast live.

“Undateable,” which stars comedian Chris D’Elia and centers on a gang of single friends in Detroit, has the distinction of being the network’s only returning comedy. The sitcom has not been a huge ratings hit, but a live episode broadcast this week featuring guest appearances by Zach Braff, Kate Walsh, Ed Sheeran and Minnie Driver helped generate buzz and a small uptick in viewers under 50.

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The all-live season of “Undateable” is the latest programming gambit from NBC, which began dabbling with live scripted shows in prime time with live episodes of “30 Rock” in 2010 and 2012.

The network has since made live musicals an annual holiday tradition and on Friday ordered a live court show from megaproducer Dick Wolf.

“Undateable” was created by Adam Sztykiel and is based on the book “Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won’t Be Dating Or Having Sex” by Ellen Rakieten and Anne Coyle. It is executive produced by sitcom veteran Bill Lawrence, who created “Scrubs,” “Cougar Town” and “Spin City.”

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