Eddie Murphy is attached to star in Peacock’s The Chairman, a drama in development from Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner. Murphy will also executive produce the project, which could mark his first regular live-action scripted television role if the series moves forward.
The project pairs Murphy with a creator closely associated with television drama. Peacock has not announced the storyline, Murphy’s character, additional cast members or a release date.
Key Takeaways
- Eddie Murphy is attached to star in Peacock drama The Chairman
- Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men, created the project
- Murphy will also serve as an executive producer
- The project could become Murphy’s first regular live-action scripted television series role
- Plot details and a premiere date have not been announced
Eddie Murphy Joins Peacock’s The Chairman
Murphy is set to lead The Chairman, a scripted drama being developed at Peacock. The project represents a potential shift in his television career after decades of work spanning films, comedy and television appearances.
Murphy is also attached as an executive producer. Universal Television and 101 Studios are producing the developing drama.
The announcement focuses primarily on its star and creative team because Peacock has yet to release details about the story. An episode count, production schedule and additional cast have also not been made public.
Because The Chairman remains in development, Murphy’s anticipated television milestone depends on the project advancing to production.
The Role Would Mark a Television First for Murphy
If the project moves forward, The Chairman would give Murphy his first regular role in a live-action scripted television series.
Murphy first gained national recognition as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, appearing on the NBC sketch series from 1980 to 1984. His career later became centered on feature films, including Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and Dreamgirls.
His previous television work also includes voice acting on the animated series The PJs, which he co-created. The Chairman would place him in a different format through an ongoing live-action drama role.
The distinction makes the project notable within Murphy’s career without suggesting he is new to television. Other established performers have likewise returned to prominent scripted roles, including Jessica Lange with her American Horror Story return for Season 13.
Murphy’s prospective move into a regular drama series would also differ from the comedy work that has defined much of his screen career. No details have been released about the tone of his character or the role he would play within the story.
Matthew Weiner Returns With a New Drama Project
Matthew Weiner created The Chairman, adding another television drama to a body of work that includes Mad Men, The Sopranos and The Romanoffs.
Weiner created and served as showrunner of Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. He also worked as a writer and executive producer on HBO’s The Sopranos before developing his own series.
His involvement establishes the creative foundation of The Chairman, while Murphy provides its prospective lead performance and an executive producing role.
The project arrives during a period when established television figures continue taking on new or returning screen projects. Daytime television has seen similar continuity through Drew Barrymore’s Season 7 return, although The Chairman is a separate scripted drama with a different format and production team.
For now, the combination of Murphy and Weiner remains the central element of the announcement. Peacock has not released enough story information to establish the setting, central conflict or structure of the series.
Peacock Keeps The Chairman’s Story Under Wraps
Peacock has not released a logline for The Chairman or identified Murphy’s character.
No additional cast members, production start date or premiere window have been announced. The limited information means assumptions about the story based on the title would go beyond what has been publicly disclosed.
Universal Television and 101 Studios are attached to produce the project, while Murphy’s participation extends to both the lead role and executive production.
The development brings Murphy and Weiner together for a drama that would give the actor a regular live-action scripted television role if it advances. Until Peacock releases further details, the confirmed information remains centered on Murphy’s attachment, Weiner’s role as creator and the production companies behind the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eddie Murphy’s new Peacock series?
Eddie Murphy is attached to star in The Chairman, a scripted drama in development at Peacock. Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men, created the project.
Who created The Chairman?
Matthew Weiner created The Chairman. His television credits include Mad Men, The Sopranos and The Romanoffs.
Will Eddie Murphy star in The Chairman?
Murphy is attached to star in the developing Peacock drama. The project has not received a publicly announced premiere date.
Is Eddie Murphy an executive producer of The Chairman?
Yes. Murphy is attached as an executive producer in addition to his prospective starring role.
Has Peacock announced the plot of The Chairman?
No. Peacock has not disclosed the plot or details about Murphy’s character, and the series remains in development.
