Ashley Tisdale French to Star in New CBS Comedy You’re Only Young Twice

Ashley Tisdale French is returning to television with a new lead role in CBS’ upcoming comedy series You’re Only Young Twice.

The former High School Musical star shared the news on Instagram on Friday, Feb. 27, joking that her brief “retirement” from acting did not last long.

“I told my agent I was retired in acting and he said… umm no you’re not 🤷🏼‍♀️,” she wrote in the caption.

A Fresh Start at 35

You’re Only Young Twice follows Emily, played by Tisdale French, and her husband Alex. The couple had a baby and got married while still in high school. Now at 35, they are facing an unexpected phase of life as empty nesters when their child leaves for college.

Instead of settling into routine, Emily and Alex decide to divorce and explore dating again. The comedy will focus on their attempts to start over while learning how to co-parent and rebuild their identities.

The series was written by Tommy Johnagin, known for Man with a Plan and That '90s Show. Johnagin and Tisdale French will serve as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers, whose credits include That ’90s Show and The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh.

The project is currently in early development and has not yet received an official series order from CBS.

Return to Live-Action TV

If ordered, the show would mark Tisdale French’s return to live-action television since her role as Jenny Kenney in Carol's Second Act, which starred Patricia Heaton as Dr. Carol Kenney.

Tisdale French first became a household name playing Sharpay Evans in the High School Musical franchise. She also gained popularity on television as Maddie Fitzpatrick in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and as the voice of Candace Flynn on Phineas and Ferb.

Her film credits include High School Musical 2, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, and comedies like Scary Movie V. Over the years, she has also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer on projects such as Young & Hungry.

Recent Headlines and Public Reaction

The casting news comes shortly after Tisdale French made headlines for a viral essay published in January in The Cut. In the piece, she described feeling excluded from what she called a “toxic” celebrity mom group.

Although she did not name anyone directly, fans speculated that the group may have included stars such as Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor.

Duff later addressed the situation during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy on Feb. 25, 2026. She said she felt “really sad” and “taken aback” by the claims, adding that it was disappointing to read something she believed was not true. Duff also noted that the timing of the essay, which coincided with the announcement of her world tour and her first album in a decade, Luck… or Something, felt unfortunate.

Despite the recent controversy, fans flooded Tisdale French’s Instagram comments with supportive messages following her casting announcement, celebrating her return to television.

For now, viewers will have to wait for CBS to make a final decision on You’re Only Young Twice. If the show moves forward, it will mark a new chapter in Tisdale French’s career — and a full-circle moment for the actress who once said she had stepped away from acting.