Elizabeth Banks is assembling a heavyweight ensemble for her Apple TV+ half-hour comedy series. The project has cast Hamish Linklater, Michelle Buteau, and Simu Liu in recurring roles, joining previously announced cast members Ted Danson, Katey Sagal, Rob Delaney, Jared Goldstein, and Spencer Moss.
Linklater brings theatrical credibility from roles in Widow's Bay and the recent miniseries Manhunt. Buteau recently starred in Netflix's Survival of the Thickest, where she played the lead role of Dina. Liu transitions from Marvel's Shang-Chi and the recent Barbie blockbuster to television, marking a notable pivot to prestige streaming content for the actor.
Banks, who has built a formidable career as both actress and producer through her Brownstone Productions banner, continues her strategic expansion into television. The ensemble cast reflects Apple's investment in star power for its comedy offerings, a strategy that has become increasingly competitive across the streaming landscape.
The series will film in Los Angeles. Production details remain sparse, but the caliber of casting suggests Apple is positioning this as a prestige comedy that leverages established talent across multiple genres. Danson and Sagal anchor the project with decades of television experience, while Delaney brings indie credibility from Catastrophe. The addition of Liu and Buteau targets broader demographic appeal and reflects contemporary casting practices in prestige comedy.
The project fits within Apple's broader strategy of securing A-list talent for original programming. The streaming service has increasingly competed with Netflix, Disney+, and traditional networks for both comedy and drama projects, with comedy becoming an undervalued but increasingly essential part of their content slate.