Ever since HBO's critically acclaimed masterpiece 'The Wire' went off the air two years ago, fans have been waiting to see what creators David Simon and Eric Overmyer would come up with next.

So when word came out that they were going to take on one of the most complicated issues in the country -- the effort to rebuild New Orleans in the aftermath of 2005's devastating Hurricane Katrina -- fans and pundits alike were both intrigued by the idea and dismayed at the wait for the project to actually materialize. Could the team from 'The Wire' find their magic again? And, if so, could even they do the subject matter justice?

Oscar-winning actress Mary Steenburgen has landed a lead role in the ABC comedy 'Southern Discomfort.' Steenburgen will play the matriarch of the series, about a father whose adult children suddenly move back in with him. Steenburgen was last seen on the big screen in 'The Proposal' and 'Did You Hear About the Morgans?', and won 1980's Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 'Melvin and Howard.' [Hollywood Reporter]

More casting news after the jump.