The Nanny: Cast Reunions Coming to Happily Divorced

Though the CBS sitcom ended 12 years ago, many will always think of Fran Drescher as her character from The Nanny. Drescher has no problem with that though and has invited two Nanny vets to guest on her new show, Happily Divorced.

On August 3rd, Drescher’s mom from The Nanny, Renee Taylor, will play an old friend of Fran’s mom on the new series, played by Rita Moreno. On the August 17th season finale, Charles Shaughnessy (Drescher’s former TV boss/husband) will play a potential new suitor but, is he interested in Fran or her gay ex-husband, Peter (John Michael Higgins)?

Happily Divorced was renewed for a second season of 12 episodes last week.

Here’s the press release from TV Land:

FRAN DRESCHER AND “THE NANNY” CO-STAR CHARLES SHAUGNESSY TO REUNITE FOR THE SEASON FINALE OF “HAPPILY DIVORCED”

Santa Monica, CA, July 26, 2011 – Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny,” “Mad Men”), who played Fran’s employer-turned-husband in the popular sitcom, “The Nanny,” guest stars as Gregory, a guy that both Fran and her ex-husband Peter (John Michael Higgins) want to date in the season finale of “Happily Divorced.” To date, the series is averaging over 2.2 million viewers every week. Last week, “Happily Divorced” was renewed for a second season of 12 episodes.

Also making a special guest appearance this season will be Fran’s nosy and overbearing mother from “The Nanny,” Renée Taylor, who will play Marilyn, an old friend of Fran’s mother, Dori (Rita Moreno). Additionally, Angie Everhart guest stars as the sister of Fran’s ex-boyfriend, Elliot (D.W. Moffett), Lou Diamond Phillips will appear as a man that chooses Judi (Tichina Arnold) over Fran, and Jennifer Holliday (Broadway’s “Dreamgirls”) will guest star as herself. Most recently, Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills, 90210”) guest-starred as a handsome support group leader who helps Fran realize that she has not moved on from her divorce.

TV Land’s “Happily Divorced” Guest Star Episode Descriptions:

Wednesday 7/27/11 at 10:30pm
“Someone Wants Me”
Fran runs into Elliot with a beautiful woman and realizes she still isn’t over him, which prompts her to try online dating. Despite many matches, she can’t stop thinking about Elliot, so she decides to pursue him again – but it leads to an awkward situation. Guest stars: Angie Everhart, D.W. Moffett.

Wednesday, 8/03/11 at 10:30pm
“A Kiss is Just a Kiss”
When both Fran and Judi meet a man at a concert, he ends up calling Judi for a date. Despite her jealousy, Fran tries to show her support – but it doesn’t pay off as she’d hoped. Meanwhile, Dori resolves past issues with her friend, which inspires Fran to keep things right with Judi. Guest stars: Lou Diamond Phillips, Renée Taylor.

Wednesday 8/10/11 at 10:30pm
“Vegas Baby”
After a chance meeting, Fran gives Elliot an ultimatum: Rendezvous with her in Vegas or lose her for good. But when Fran and Peter’s wild night leads to unexpected consequences, Fran’s chance at love may be jeopardized forever. Guest stars: Jennifer Holliday, D.W. Moffett.

Wednesday 8/17/11 at 10:30pm
“Torn Between Two Lovetts”
The season finale has both Fran and Peter ready to get back into the dating game, and when they both coincidentally meet Gregory (Shaughnessy), they realize the dating world is not what it used to be. Guest star: Charles Shaughnessy.

“Happily Divorced” airs on Wednesday nights at 10:30pm ET/PT immediately following new episodes of “Hot in Cleveland.” Inspired by Fran Drescher’s own life, “Happily Divorced” is filmed in front of a live studio audience and follows Los Angeles florist Fran (Drescher), whose 18-year marriage ends suddenly when her husband (Higgins) announces he’s gay. And if that weren’t enough, he can’t afford to move out. They figured out how to be “Happily Divorced,” but her being single and his being gay, while living under one roof, is a whole other story. The series also features Fran’s best friend Judi (Arnold), her parents Dori and Glen (Moreno and Robert Walden) and her flower delivery employee Cesar (Valente Rodriguez).

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What do you think? Will you be tuning in to see the mini-reunions? Would you like to see other Nanny veterans stop by?