The upcoming ABC comedy, Not Dead Yet, is set to bring a few fan favorites back onto screens. The comedy pilot will be based on the book Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, published in 2020. Produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, the show was created by Casey Johnson and David Windsor. The pair also serve as executive producers for the show together with Wonderland Sound and Vision’s McG, Mary Viola, and Corey Marsh.

Not Dead Yet isn’t the only show that ABC has picked up for its 2022-2023 fall schedule. Its list includes a few new series such as Alaska, starring actress Hilary Swank, and The Rookie: Feds with Niecy Nash. Returning shows include Shark Tank, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Good Doctor. The three new shows all seem to have notable names taking on the lead roles, and it’s no different for Not Dead Yet. Gina Rodriguez, who became a household name after her titular role in Jane the Virgin, is set to take the lead in ABC’s latest comedy, much to the excitement of fans.

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Not Dead Yet: The Plot

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Carrying from its source text, the narrative of Not Dead Yet will follow the newly single Nell Stevens as she attempts to restart her life. Having given up on her dreams long ago so that she could help her fiancé get his business off the ground, the once successful journalist is left in the dust after her relationship falls apart. Now broke and feeling quite old, Nell moves back to her hometown, Pasadena.

Having to share an apartment with a stranger who monitors Nell’s electricity usage and recycling habits, she takes up the only job she can find, writing obituaries. Despite it seeming a setback at first, Nell’s life is propelled in a new direction as she realizes she can now see ghosts.

ABC has released a description of the show on its website:

Not Dead Yet: The Cast

In addition to actress Gina Rodriguez taking on the role of protagonist Nell Stevens, Hannah Simone, the witty and charming Cece Parekh from New Girl, is set to play Nell’s longtime friend and colleague, Sam. Simone’s Sam is an editor of the newspaper’s lifestyle section and is a busy and successful mother. Although portrayed as a character who has everything under control and is in love with her life, Sam really wishes for the freedoms of single days and friendship with Nell.

“Not Dead Yet" follows Nell Stevens (Rodriguez), a broke and newly single self-described disaster, working to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. When she lands the only job she can find – writing obituaries, Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely source.”

Talking of the show in a clip posted on the Not Dead Yet Twitter page, Rodriguez, describing her character, expresses her excitement for the show, saying, “Can’t wait till you see!” before blowing kisses at fans.

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Joining Rodriguez and Simone are Josh Banday, who will play Nell’s friend and current boss, Jessica St. Clair, who will take on the role of Annabel, a yoga studio owner, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis, who will portray Fiona, Nell’s best friend since childhood. Angela Gibbs and Rick Glassman will also have roles in the pilot, with Gibbs playing Cricket, Nell’s beautiful, recently-widowed friend, and Glassman playing the uptight environmental lawyer, Edward.

Confessions of a Forty-Something…

The source text of the series, Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up, was very well received by many readers. The book was hailed as “the funniest WTF AM I DOING?! novel of the year.” With readers loving the book’s portrayal of the smart and funny Nell, who navigates the highs and lows of life with having to reinvent herself, Potter’s novel has been recognized as a treasure for anyone who’s worried that their lives aren’t going according to plan and is left wondering how life isn’t quite how they imagined it to be.

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The ‘hang in there’ message of the novel generated quite a bit of positive feedback, and if ABC’s Not Dead Yet carries the same gist as Potter’s source text, the comedy will surely be a hit among viewers. The track records of Rodriguez and Simone will also, no doubt, contribute to generating significant views for the series.

Release Date

Although Not Dead Yet has been picked up by ABC, the show has been held for ABC’s midseason. Given this, we can expect the comedy to debut next year, probably between January and March. When released, the show will be available on ABC and Hulu. Giving their audience a glimpse into Not Dead Yet, ABC released a 15-second sneak peek in May 2022.