New Apple TV Comedy Stars Elizabeth Banks Gets Three Big Name Recurring Actors

What’s the Big News?

EXCLUSIVE: A new half-hour comedy series for Apple TV, led by actress Elizabeth Banks, has added three new actors in recurring roles:

• Hamish Linklater (known for Widow’s Bay and Manhunt)
• Michelle Buteau (known for Survival of the Thickest)
• Simu Liu (known for Shang-Chi and Barbie)

They will join a cast that was already announced:

• Ted Danson
• Katey Sagal
• Rob Delaney
• Jared Goldstein
• Spencer Moss

Important Point: A "recurring role" means these actors will show up in multiple episodes, but they are not the main stars of the show.

When and Where Will It Be Made?

The series will be filmed (or "shot") in Los Angeles later this year.

What Is the Show About?

The show does not have a name yet. It was created by Liz Heldens and Matt Ward. Here is the simple version of the story:

• A woman named Heidi (played by Elizabeth Banks) just went through a messy divorce.
• She wants to start a fun new chapter of life with her kids.
• She ends up helping her dad (played by Ted Danson) with silly romantic adventures at his retirement community.
• This forces her to team up with the grown son of her dad’s girlfriend, who is always single.

Who Are the New Actors Playing?

Here are the characters the three new actors will play:

• Hamish Linklater plays Evan, Heidi’s ex-husband.
• Michelle Buteau plays Melissa, a talented ad executive (a person who works in advertising).
• Simu Liu plays Dr. Zhou, a doctor who treats Heidi’s son.

Who Is Making the Show?

The show is produced for Apple TV by a company called 20th Television. Here are the key people behind it:

1. Liz Heldens and Matt Ward are the showrunners (the people in charge of the day-to-day show) and executive producers.
2. Elizabeth Banks executive produces with Max Handelman and Krissy Wall through her company Brownstone Productions.
3. Jonathan Krisel will direct the first episode (called a pilot) and is also an executive producer.
4. Quinn Haberman executive produces with Heldens for a company called Selfish Mermaid.
5. Jason Winer and Jon Radler executive produce for Small Dog Picture Company.

Who Represents the New Actors?

Actors often have "representatives" (people like agents or lawyers who help their careers). Here is who represents the new cast members:

• Hamish Linklater is represented by Untitled Entertainment, Gersh, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
• Michelle Buteau is represented by Mosaic and CAA.
• Simu Liu is represented by CAA, 1v1 Entertainment, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Summary

A new unnamed Apple TV comedy led by Elizabeth Banks has added Hamish Linklater, Michelle Buteau, and Simu Liu in recurring roles. They join an existing cast including Ted Danson. The show follows Heidi, a divorced mom who gets pulled into her dad’s retirement community love life. Filming starts in Los Angeles later this year, and the series is made by 20th Television with many executive producers.

FAQ

Q1: What does “recurring role” mean?
A: It means the actor appears in several episodes of the show, but is not one of the main leading characters.

Q2: Is the show’s name revealed yet?
A: No, the article says it is an “as-yet-untitled series,” which means it does not have a title yet.

Q3: Where will the series be filmed?
A: In Los Angeles, later this year.

Q4: Who is playing Heidi’s ex-husband?
A: Hamish Linklater plays Evan, Heidi’s ex-husband.

Q5: Who is directing the first episode?
A: Jonathan Krisel will direct the pilot (the first episode) and also serve as an executive producer.