Television veteran Ed Asner returning with a sitcom on CMT

NEW YORK -- Television veteran Ed Asner is coming back to series TV with the first scripted sitcom for CMT.

On the new show, "Working Class," Asner will co-star as the crusty but lovable neighbor to the blue-collar single mom played by series star Melissa Peterman.

The network announced Monday that the 12-episode multicamera comedy will premiere in January on CMT.

Asner, who turns 81 next month, is beloved for his signature role as cranky journalist Lou Grant. His return to TV follows recent successes for two fellow castmates from the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show": Betty White on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland" and Cloris Leachman on Fox's "Raising Hope."

Peterman previously appeared on the sitcom "Reba" and hosts CMT's "The Singing Bee."