NBC Comedy ‘Animal Practice’ Already Recasting Female Lead

Every series is bound to experience a bit of turnover, be it from creative talents or actors attached to another project, but it's usually never a good sign when a pilot ordered to series needs to recast one of its fundamental leads.  So while we haven't seen much from NBC's new sitcom pickup 'Animal Practice,' departures and additions have already begun to draw attention.

Deadline reports a bit of give and take for NBC's new single-camera sitcom 'Animal House,' one of six pilots ordered to series for the peacock prior to their May 14 Upfront event.  The site reports that female series lead Amy Huberman will depart, with her role to be recast in the immediate future.  No reason was given for the Irish actress's departure.

'Animal Practice,' otherwise starring Justin Kirk, Tyler Labine ('Reaper') and Bobby Lee ('MAD TV'), follows George, an acerbic 'House'-like veterinarian who loves animals but hates their owners, when his intelligent, beautiful and recently re-engaged former girlfriend (Huberman) arrives to take over the animal clinic.

On a more positive note however, where the series lost a lead it's also gained a new executive producer /co-showrunner in Gail Lerner, who joins Brian Gatewood, Alex Tanaka, Ravi Nandan, Scot Armstrong and the pilot’s directors Anthony and Joe Russo.  Lerner joins 'Animal Practice' by way of departing ABC's 'Happy Endings,' and has also previously worked on 'Will & Grace,' 'Back To You' and 'Worst Week.'

What say you?  Does any of the turnover, or potential 'House' similarities have you wary of watching 'Animal Hospital?'  Which of the pilots are you most excited to see?  No waiting room necessary, give us your picks in the comments below!