Ann Sothern
"The Ann Sothern Show" came to fruition shortly after Sothern’s first CBS sitcom "Private Secretary" ended in 1957. "Private Secretary" had been renewed by CBS for a sixth season, but Sothern decided to end the series after a contract dispute with producer Jack Chertok. In an effort to have creative control over her own series, Sothern developed "The Ann Sothern Show". The series was produced by her production company Anso Productions and Desilu Productions, which was owned by Sothern's longtime friend Lucille Ball. Sothern enlisted "Private Secretary" co-star Ann Tyrrell to co-star with her in her new series, and added Ernest Truex in place of "Private Secretary" co-star Don Porter. After General Foods agreed to sponsor the first season, CBS picked up "The Ann Sothern Show" in May 1958.