PILOT BASED ON SMALLWOOD’S LIFE IS ORDERED TO SERIES BY CBS

The pilot based on pro bowler Tom Smallwood’s journey from laid-off autoworker to pro bowling champion has been ordered to series by CBS.

Developed by comedian Pete Holmes, the series will have Mark Gross (“Mike & Molly”) as its executive producer, and Chi McBride (Hawaii Five-0) and Katie Lowes (“Scandal”) as co-stars.

At least for now, the series is called “Smallwood.”

Gross is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, known for its national championship-winning bowling teams. McBride plays the owner of the title character’s home center, Archie’s Lanes: “Home of the Curly Fry.” Holmes plays Jen, the supportive wife of the title character.