Jerry Seinfeld's 'The Marriage Ref' Debuts Soon

Let the airing of grievances begin!

Jerry Seinfeld is returning to NBC in February with a new, unscripted series called The Marriage Ref, serving as co-producer along with Ellen Rakieten (rake it in?) of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Jerry explains that this is "not a therapy show, it's a comedy show," pointing out that some of the funniest TV programs throughout history have been about marriage. Since this one is about real marriage and real fights that inspire the scripted shows, it has the potential to be even funnier.  Love & Anger: How to Fight Right

The comic says that his wife Jessica actually came up with the idea, after she recently asked some friends to mediate a dispute that she and Jerry were having. Or maybe she was just up late one night watching The Ref when inspiration struck. However the idea came about, it certainly sounds more promising and less trainwreck-y than Wife Swap.

Each show will feature three to five couples who will air their disagreement during a filmed segment at their home. A panel of celebrities in a studio will then debate the issues before handing the matter over to comedian Tom Papa—the Marriage Ref—who will make the final judgment. Panelists already signed to appear include Tina Fey, Charles Barkley, Alec Baldwin and Larry David. Jerry will appear during the premiere and a few other episodes. Source: OK Magazine

What? Liz Lemon dishing out marital advice?? We want to go to there! New Trend: Marriage Mentoring

Photo via Bauer Griffin.