EMMY�-NOMINATED ACTOR JUSTIN KIRK TO JOIN SHOWTIME NETWORKS NEW COMEDY SERIES WEEDS

AUDACIOUS 10-EPISODE SERIES PRODUCED BY LIONS GATE TELEVISION STARRING MARY LOUISE PARKER, ELIZABETH PERKINS AND KEVIN NEALON TO PREMIERE SUMMER 2005

Emmy�-nominated actor Justin Kirk ("Angels in America") has joined the cast of Showtime Networks new comedy series WEEDS. The 10-episode series produced by Lions Gate Television, starring Mary Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Nealon, will premiere this summer. Kirk will play the role of Andy, the younger, irresponsible brother of Nancy Botwin's (Mary Louise Parker) dead husband. WEEDS marks the first scripted half-hour series green-lighted by Robert Greenblatt, President, Entertainment, Showtime Networks.

The casting reunites Justin Kirk and Mary Louise Parker, who played opposite each other in the television mini-series "Angels In America." Kirk was nominated for an Emmy� Award for his performance as "Prior Walter," with Parker winning the 2004 Emmy� award and Golden Globe� for her role in the Mike Nichols directed film. Additionally, Kirk won an Obie Award for his role in the Broadway production of "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for his role in the Lincoln Center production of "Ten Unknowns."

WEEDS exposes the dirty little secrets that lie behind the pristine lawns and shiny closed doors of homes in the fictional town of Agrestic, California. Parker stars as a suburban mom who resorts to selling marijuana in order to support her family after her husband unexpectedly dies. Perkins stars as the uptight and dysfunctional head of the PTA and Nealon plays a pot-smoking city councilman.

Produced by Lions Gate Television in association with Tilted Productions, this groundbreaking Showtime series is executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jenji Kohan ("Friends," "Will and Grace," "Tracey Takes On"). Brian Dannelly ("Saved!"), who directed the series premiere, is a consulting producer and will direct additional episodes. Roberto Benabib ("Ally McBeal") is co-executive producer.