Maura Tierney illness delays 'Parenthood'

By Nellie Andreeva

NBC's new fall drama series "Parenthood" has been pushed to midseason because of an illness of one of the stars, Maura Tierney.

The series, a contemporary reimagining of the 1989 feature, had been scheduled to begin filming July 27. The production start of the Universal Media Studios/Imagine TV-produced show is now tentatively scheduled for late September.

"Start of production on NBC Universal's new series 'Parenthood' has been postponed for eight weeks due to medical evaluation that valued cast member Maura Tierney is undergoing," NBC said in a statement. "The top priority for NBC, Universal Media Studios and Imagine Television is the well-being of Ms. Tierney. We are unable to release further details and ask that you respect her privacy at this time."

"Parenthood" revolves around four siblings (Peter Krause, Tierney, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard) and their parents (Bonnie Bedelia and Craig T. Nelson).

As a result of the delay, NBC is making a change on its fall schedule. More details here.