Janney takes role in 'The Pitts'

Allison Janney has been cast in The Pitts, an animated sitcom about the world's unluckiest family.

The cartoon is based on a live-action show that aired briefly on the Fox network in 2003. The show, created by The Simpsons' Mike Scully and wife Julie Thacker, satirized traditional American sitcoms by using unsubtle visual gags. It was cancelled after five episodes during its initial run.

Dylan Baker and Lizzy Caplan, both stars of the original, will reprise their roles as father Bob Pitt and daughter Faith, while Andy Milonakis will play son Petey. Janney will voice family matriarch Liz Pitt.

The cast will take part in a table read next week and if that proves a success, The Pitts will be picked up as a series.

Janney's recent film work includes Juno and Hairspray. She also starred in US TV drama The West Wing.