The new comedy, written by, directed by, and starring Frankie Shaw, is based on her film of the same name that was awarded the Short Film Jury Award last year at Sundance.

Set in Boston, SMILF, according to the industry website, “takes a raw look at Bridgette, a single twentysomething (Shaw), whose desires for relationships, sex and a career collide with the realities of being a young single mother.” O’Donnell has been cast as Bridgette's mother, “who is unapologetically herself and completely oblivious to social convention. Despite her troubled upbringing in the projects of Southie, she shows up for her daughter and grandson as best as she possibly can — which isn’t always up to Bridgette’s standards.”

Set for a guest-starring role is recent School of Rock Tony nominee Alex Brightman, who will play Bridgette's former high school friend Jesse, who carries a torch for the single mom. Other roles will be played by Kyle Vincent Terry, Graham Rogers, Samara Weaving, and Ismael Cruz Cordova.

ABC Signature Studios will produce the pilot.

As an actor, Rosie O'Donnell has appeared on Broadway in Grease, Seussical, and Fiddler on the Roof. She also produced the Broadway debut of the London musical Taboo.