Former "Friends" star Matthew Perry will play a talk show host in "The End of Steve," a dark comedy he is developing at Showtime.

Perry's title character is an egomaniac who is on a reluctant path to redemption.

"This role will show fans that he can be not only funny but also reach to some dark places," said Zack Van Amburg, co-president at Sony Pictures Television, which is producing the pilot for Showtime. "It will be a departure from the way America thinks of Matthew. This is the beginning of a really exciting journey."

[HR]