James Brolin On CBS' 'Life In Pieces:' 'I Really Think We Have A Winner'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor James Brolin has had a long and illustrious career in the spotlight, traversing comedy, drama and action-adventure genres in both acting and directing roles.

The seasoned actor has now found a home in prime time television -- his new series 'Life In Pieces' premiered on Sept. 21 on CBS, and will move to its regular time at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The show chronicles the life of a family as they experience milestone moments, told in a series of vignettes. Brolin plays John, the patriarch of the family, alongside co-star Dianne Wiest, who plays his wife, Joan.

"This show is done in blackout pieces, like four-minute segments, that may have a conclusion and they may not," Brolin told 1010 WINS' Brigitte Quinn. "They may leave you hanging and wanting more."

The loose format was a change for the veteran actor.

"I got worried that I had no background in formal comedy," Brolin said.

Brolin said he read four books about the art of comedy to prepare for the role. But, he admits, the best advice he ever received was from his wife of 17 years, Barbara Streisand, CBS2's Alex Denis reported.

"She said to me the greatest clue, every joke has to be based on honesty. Just stay honest," Brolin said. "You know she is incapable of telling a lie... When I say, 'well tell them we're busy that night. And she'll say, 'well that's not true!' And all you're trying to do is get out of a dinner."

Streisand's words of wisdom paid off -- 'Life In Pieces' was the network's most-watched comedy debut in four years.

Brolin attributed the success to the cast.

"I kept checking on everybody out, going okay who's going to go south on me -- and not one of them," Brolin said. "A permanent cast of 11 and they're all just delicious."

Brolin is prepared for the demands ahead, but said he and Streisand share a strict family rule when it comes to work.

"We do things very quickly and very efficiently so we can get back in bed as soon as possible. Lazy to the core!" Brolin said.

Brolin previously worked with Wiest in the Tina Fey/Amy Pohler film 'Sisters,' set to come out in theaters this Christmas.

He started his career in film when he was a teenager and went on to appear in hits like "Traffic" "Catch Me If You Can," and "Amityville Horror."

Brolin's won an Emmy and two Golden Globes for his starring role on "Marcus Welby, M.D.," and more recently, for his role as former president Ronald Reagan on the 2003 mini-series "The Reagans." He was also nominated twice for his role on the 80s drama "Hotel."

When asked if Brolin could play another political figure in the future, he replied:

"I have no idea," Brolin said. "Could I play Trump? I doubt it. I mean, what could be more fun, you know, than that."

See Also: James Brolin In Studio with CBS-FM's Scott Shannon 

But when Brolin saw the script for 'Life In Pieces,' he was certain:

"I haven't worked a lot by choice, in a way, until I read this pilot script and went 'god this is so funny,'" Brolin said. "I really think we got a winner here."

'Life In Pieces' will air after 'The Big Bang Theory' on Thursday night, 8:31 p.m.