Finding Humor in Heartbreak: Behind the Scenes of Netflix’s Leanne

Netflix’s Leanne is a heartfelt, deeply relatable comedy built on real experiences, lived-in emotions, and an unshakeable bond between sisters. At the center is comedian Leanne Morgan, stepping into a whole new spotlight as the show’s lead, co-creator, and executive producer. Based on pieces of her own standup and life, the show explores what it means to start over at 60 with laughter, heartbreak, and a healthy dose of Southern charm.

For Leanne Morgan, the leap from standup comedy to starring in a scripted series was as thrilling as it was terrifying. “I was scared, girl,” she admitted. “But once I got in front of that live audience, I thought, okay, maybe I can do this.” With guidance from seasoned co-creators Chuck Lorre and Susan McMartin, Leanne’s signature comedic timing found a perfect home on screen. The writers captured her voice, and Leanne brought the vulnerability and the laughs.

Her strength? Timing. “I think for sure timing,” she said. “I do feel I have that gift, and that really translated well in front of a live audience.”

Television legend Chuck Lorre, known for shows like The Big Bang Theory and Mom, was immediately drawn to Leanne’s voice. After visiting her and her close-knit family, he knew there was something special to work with. “There’s absolutely nothing funny about things going well,” he quipped. “But Leanne’s stories about marriage, kids, aging were rich with comedy and truth.”

The character’s journey, based partly on a bit from Leanne’s act offered fertile ground for a comedy that didn’t shy away from emotional depth.

Kristen Johnston, who plays Leanne’s sister Carol, brings both levity and complexity to the role. Carol is at once a support system and a woman facing her own reckoning. “I think she’s lived a rather self-involved life,” Kristen said. “But being needed by her sister kind of changes her.”

The sister dynamic is one of the show’s greatest strengths. As executive producer Nick Bakay put it, “They’re opposing diametrics, but they’re also incredibly loyal and strong. You can tell they grew up in the same house.” The relationship is a seesaw one up, one down but always rooted in love.

Finding the right tone for Leanne meant blending the authenticity of Leanne’s voice with a structured narrative. “It’s like a river,” Nick explained. “It’s going to cut a path. If you’re limber and pay attention, good things happen.”

The show explore themes of vulnerability, reinvention, and resilience. “Starting over is a universal thread,” said Chuck. “We all do it in one way or another. The courage it takes… that’s where the comedy and the heart come together.”

As Leanne’s character begins to date again, the show explores the raw reality and humor of rediscovering yourself. “If I had to show a man my body after menopause and grandbabies? I’d be freaked out,” Leanne laughed. But she also knew this part of the story would resonate with so many women reminding them they’re still desirable, still growing, still capable of finding joy.

Leanne credits the directors, including Nick and Andy Ackerman, with helping her find her footing. “I didn’t even realize what directors did,” she joked. “But they helped me see what I couldn’t. They helped me grow.”

At its core, Leanne is about starting over—not just at 60, but at any stage of life. It's about what happens when the rug gets pulled out from under you and finding your footing again through laughter, family, and a lot of heart.

As Chuck said, “You hope the audience cares as much about her happiness and serenity as we do.”

Watch the full conversation below:

Q&A on the Netflix series Leanne with actor/co-creator/executive producer Leanne Morgan, co-creator/writer/executive producer Chuck Lorre, actor Kristen Johnston, and executive producer Nick Bakay. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.