Synopsis: Charlie Lawrence stars Nathan Lane as a former TV star who has just been elected to his first term as a U.S. Congressman. Elected as a representative from New Mexico, Charlie is a fish out of water in the political arena and in his new digs at the Watergate Complex.

Charlie's colorful, life-of-the-party personality contrasts sharply with his self-assured and overly pragmatic chief-of-staff Sarah Dolecek, played by multi-Emmy Award-winner Laurie Metcalf. His office manager, Suzette Michaels, is a besotted fan of Charlie's, with an encyclopedic knowledge of his long-running series, "Do Unto Others," in which he played an angel named "Guppy Sherman." The befuddled young intern, Ryan Lemming, rounds out the office staff. And Charlie's new neighbor and friend, Graydon Cord, is a member of the opposition party.

So begins the second act of Charlie's life, as he makes the transition from Hollywood to the House. (Courtesy CBS Entertainment, 2003)

The Cast:
Nathan Lane as Charlie Lawrence
Laurie Metcalf as Sarah Dolecek
Ted McGinley as Graydon McCord
Stephanie Faracy as Suzette Michaels
T.R. Knight as Ryan Lemming

Production Credits:
Charlie Lawrence is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with CBS Productions. Emmy Award-winning writer Jeffrey Richman ("Frasier") and Tony Award-winning actor Nathan Lane are the producers.

The Episodes:
1-1 Pilot--06/15/2003
In the premiere episode, former television star Charlie Lawrence is elected to fill the seat of a recently deceased Democratic congressman from New Mexico. After a rousing introductory speech before his fellow House members, Charlie finds himself in trouble when it's revealed that the words he used were actually borrowed from a script of his old television series. Eventually, with the help of his chief of staff, Charlie realizes he's got even more to learn about Washington politics than he anticipated.
Written by: Jeffrey Richman
Directed by: Jay Sandrich
Guest stars: Steve Stapenhorst as Speaker; Misha Henson as Sally; Shannon Cochran as Newscaster and Anni Long as Congresswoman.

1-2 New Kid In School--06/22/2003
Charlie learns that Congress is much like high school when he attempts to get on the Ways and Means Committee only to discover he's not "cool" enough to be considered. However, when the committee chairman reconsiders and hints at selecting Charlie in exchange for his support on a congressional pay raise, he must decide whether voting against his conscience is worth a spot on the committee.
Written by: Jeffrey Richman
Directed by: Jay Sandrich
Guest stars: M. Emmett Walsh as Everett "Cubby" Calahan; Jason Kravits as Kornbluth; Benjamin Livingston as Flentz; Deondray Gossett as Busboy and Jennifer Leigh Warren as Aide.

1- Dinner And A Breakdown--07/06/2003
In an effort to bond with his staff, Charlie invites them to his home for a dinner party. The evening proves to be less than ideal, highlighted by Sarah's revelation that she has been offered another job with a rival Congressman. Stung by the news, Charlie sets out to convince Sarah to stay on his staff - with surprising results.
Written by: John Riggi
Directed by: Gary Halvorson
Guest stars: Anthony Cistaro as Nikita and Kevin Chamberlin as Mr. Flanner.

1- If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother--07/13/2003
Charlie tries to impress his mother by inviting her to meet the Queen of England, leaving Sarah, his original date, behind. However, when they arrive at the reception, Charlie's mom gives her son a most unwelcome surprise.
Written by: Nancy Stein
Directed by: Scott Ellis
Guest stars: Anne Meara as Pauline; Paxton Whitehead as British Ambassador; Stephen Dunham as David; Asante Jones as Security Guard; Mim Drew as Cherie and Danielle Bisutti as Denise.

1- I'll Take The Low Road--07/20/2003
Charlie convinces an initially reluctant Sarah to book him on a political roundtable television show, with Graydon on the panel as well. Charlie's assumption that his new friend will go easy on him is proven wrong when Graydon publicly embarrasses Charlie in the midst of a debate. Sarah urges Charlie to retaliate by discrediting Graydon in the press, but their plan soon backfires.
Written by: Jonathan Goldstein
Directed by: Jay Sandrich
Guest stars: Dina Waters as Brittany Stewart; J. Kenneth Campbell as Ron McClaren: Patrick Cavanaugh as Intern; Virginia Capers as Esther; Micha Henson as Tyler and Catherine Bruhier as Reporter.