Pilot for Matthew Perry's Odd Couple, to mark return of FRIENDS

Now in the pilot stage, the project will mark the Friends star's return to TV if it makes it to series. The new adaptation of the series, which was inspired by the Neil Simon play first performed on Broadway in 1965, focuses on two divorced men sharing an apartment in Manhattan.

The network is moving forward with a new reboot of the classic comedy series aired on ABC in the 70s.

Mathew-Perry

Now in the pilot stage, the project will mark the Friends star's

return to TV

if it makes it to series.

The new adaptation of the series, which was inspired by the Neil Simon play first performed on Broadway in 1965, focuses on two divorced men sharing an apartment in Manhattan. Felix is organized and uptight, while Oscar is the total opposite, so living together proves difficult at times.

Matthew Perry will play

Oscar Madison

, a character he says he has dreamed of playing ever since he was 10. The actor will also be involved in directing, producing and writing the project, seconded by Joe Keenan (Desperate Housewives).

Since the end of Friends in 2004, Perry has yet to find the same success.

The actor starred in Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip, Mr. Sunshine and Go On, three sitcoms that were swiftly canceled. The actor who played Chandler Bing for a decade also appeared in a few episodes of the legal drama The Good Wife.