Chuck Lorre Says CBS Hated Melissa McCarthy for 'Mike & Molly': 'They Wanted a Hot Young Woman'

Chuck Lorre discusses casting Melissa McCarthy in Mike & Molly and the reaction he received from CBS. In his memoir, Lorre describes the sitcom's 'agonizing journey' that led the network to confirm a Gilmore Girls alum as its lead star. "Once again, Nikki Valko, my brilliant casting director, delivered a comedy genius: Melissa McCarthy. […]

Chuck Lorre talks about casting Melissa McCarthy in Mike & Molly and the backlash he faced from CBS.

In her sitcom memoir, Lorre described the "torturous journey" that led the network to confirm the Gilmore Girls alum as the main star.

"Once again, my brilliant casting director, Nikki Valko, landed a comic genius. Melissa McCarthy. And once again, CBS hated her," Lorre recalled.

McCarthy was last cast opposite Billy Gardel in Mike & Molly, about a couple who meet and fall in love in a group of anonymous overeaters. The sitcom ran for six seasons and earned McCarthy an Emmy Award in 2011. Related News Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly to Reteam on 'NCIS: Origins' Ratings "NCIS" up 39 percent in viewers for CBS Tuesday primetime.

"Believe it or not, they wanted a hot young woman to play a woman struggling with her weight," Lorre said of CBS' vision for Molly. "It was even suggested by one of the directors—a female executive—that I consider casting a more attractive actor and putting her in a fat suit." Watch on Deadline

Lorre went with her gut and pressed the network, adding, "I was no longer an origami anchor and I was ready to fold at the first push. Melissa was going to be my Molly. End of discussion."

After Mike and Molly in 2010, McCarthy starred in Bridesmaids, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

"Forgive me for being a little smug, but when the bridesmaids came out, I felt so smart," Lorre said.

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