Mullally talker locked up tight

NBC has released a press statement detailing the purchase of Will & Grace star Megan Mullally's forthcoming talk/variety show by NBC-owned television stations in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

The daily, hour-long show will tape in Los Angeles and will make its premiere in national syndication in the fall of 2006.

"Television programmers from coast to coast have recognized Megan's unique talents as a host, singer and Emmy Award-winning comedic actress," said Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution, in a statement released yesterday. "The feedback we have received from the advertising and broadcasting communities is one of excitement, as they clearly recognize Megan as a fresh new personality for daytime."

While continuing to crack up audiences with her role as drunken socialite Karen on Will & Grace, Mullally has been discreetly sending out feelers into the talk-show world. In addition to making numerous appearances on shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and The Late Show With David Letterman, she has hosted Saturday Night Live and filled in for an ailing Letterman as host of The Late Show. A VH1 special gave her the chance to hone her skills by interviewing Madonna.

In addition to her Emmy-winning role on Will & Grace, Mullally has appeared in shows such as Seinfeld, Frasier, and China Beach. She has also taken part in stage productions in Los Angeles and on Broadway, and fronts a band called Supreme Music Program.