Christina Ricci likely for NBC comedy

An actress known for more serious fare will exercise her comedic chops on NBC.

Christina Ricci is close to a deal to star in “Girlfriend in a Coma,” which I assume is named after the Smiths song.

Liz Brixius (“Nurse Jackie”) and Dick Wolf (“Law & Order: SVU” and “Chicago Fire”) bring this comedy about Karen (played by Ricci), who wakes up from a coma after almost 20 years and discovers she has a 17- year- old daughter she was unaware she was pregnant with before slipping into the coma.

The single- camera comedy is from Universal Television and Wolf Films. Brixius will write the script and executive produce alongside Wolf, Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski.

Ricci recently guest starred on “The Good Wife” on CBS, and ABC period drama “Pan Am.” She has also made appearances on “Joey,” “Saving Grace” and “Grey’s Anatomy” (which earned her an Emmy nomination). She has appeared in films “Black Snake Moan,”“Speed Racer,” “Penelope” and “Monster.”

Ricci is represented by ICM Partners, Management 360 and Ziffren Brittenham.

Since the song is now stuck in my head, here is “Girlfriend in a Coma” by The Smiths: