From the stage to the screen — Leanne Morgan’s story just got even bigger! Beloved comedian Leanne Morgan is officially starring in a brand-new sitcom created by TV legend Chuck Lorre (yes, the genius behind The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men). Even more amazing? The show is inspired by her own life. Lorre himself visited Leanne’s home to soak up her world, her family stories, and that Southern charm we can’t get enough of. Leanne admitted: “I had to pinch myself”

Leanne Morgan is starring in a brand new series inspired by her life — though, there are some key differences.

The comedian, 59, is coming to Netflix with her very own eponymous sitcom, Leanne, and PEOPLE has the first look! Per the official logline, the series follows Leanne as her life “takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman.”

“Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity and jello salad,” it continues.

Leanne Morgan and Kristen Johnston as Carol
(L) Leanne Morgan and Kristen Johnston in ‘Leanne’.Patrick McElhenney/Netflix

In addition to Morgan, the series will star Kristen Johnston, Celia Weston, Blake Clark, Ryan Stiles, Graham Rogers and Hannah Pilkes. Chuck Lorre, a co-creator of the series, will also serve as an executive producer alongside fellow co-creators Morgan and Susan McMartin, as well as Judi Marmel and Nick Bakay.

Kristen Johnston as Carol, Annie Gonzalez as Nora, Blake Clark as Daddy John, Graham Rogers as Tyler, Hannah Pilkes as Josie and Leanne Morgan
The cast of ‘Leanne’.Courtesy of Netflix

The actress exclusively tells PEOPLE that working with Lorre, the man behind hit shows like Two and a Half Men  and The Big Bang Theory, was “a dream come true.”

“When he came to my home in Knoxville to learn more about me and my family for inspiration for the show I had to pinch myself,” she recalls. “To make my very first television series with a titan of the industry taught me something new every day and I’m so honored to work with him.”

Leanne Morgan and Tim Daly as Andrew
(L) Leanne Morgan and Tim Daly in ‘Leanne’.Patrick McElhenney/Netflix

Though her life may have been a blueprint for Leanne, the actress says there’s one thing that’s completely fictional.

“The show isn’t based on my life—I’m still happily married to my Chuck Morgan!—but it is inspired by it,” she explains. “I’m excited to share more about myself and where I come from with viewers, and I can’t wait for y’all to see the incredible cast they’ve paired me with.”

Leanne Morgan & Chuck Lorre Talk Stand-Up-Driven Sitcom 'Leanne' - Podcast

Morgan met her husband while attending the University of Tennessee. At the time, she was pursuing a degree in child and family studies after getting a divorce from her first husband.

During an interview for her Never Before Told series on YouTube, Morgan told her daughter Maggie that she was working at a local restaurant when she met the man who would become her husband.

“Your daddy, Chuck Morgan, was in MBA school and came to work there — they had a group of trainees come through — and I’m standing up against the wall waiting for my table to be seated,” she said. “He’s tall, he’s 6’4”, he’s so thin, he looks like a praying mantis. I mean that in a sweet way. And I said, ‘You’re as tall as a tree.’ ”

The couple started dating soon after and married around 1993. They then went on to welcome three children: Charlie, Maggie and Tess.

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