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Bravo to Launch Series Loosely Based on ‘Chewbacca Mom'

Bravo is reportedly planning to launch a dramedy series loosely based on "Chewbacca Mom" according to Deadline.

You may remember Candace Payne, the Grand Prairie mom who became a viral sensation when she put on a Chewbacca mask and laughed at herself  hysterically.

Nia Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" told Deadline she came up with the idea for the show. She'll reportedly co-write and star in the series tentatively called "Suburbs Famous."

Vardalos' "Greek Wedding" role, based on her life, launched her into stardom, so she may know a little something about Payne's sudden stardom.

"I wanted to explore the concept of sudden fame for someone who isn't prepared and doesn't want it, for someone who gets power and doesn't know what to do with it, as well as what happens next," Vardalos told Deadline.

Payne's Facebook Live wearing the Chewbacca mask has 170 million views as of this writing.

The viral 4-minute video catapulted Payne to instant internet celebrity status. Kohl's, where she bought the mask, thanked her for the publicity by giving masks to her kids, as well as Star Wars toys and $2,500 in gift cards. She also received 10,000 rewards points for her birthday.

Payne got to meet actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, as well as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams. She even visited Facebook's headquarters.

Besides making the rounds on TV talk shows, Southeastern University in Florida presented Payne and her entire family full tuition scholarships and Hasbro unveiled a custom action figure bearing her likeness.

Bravo is part of NBC Universal which owns NBC 5 and NBCDFW.com

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