Elizabeth Banks is returning to her comedy roots in a big way. Apple TV has officially greenlit a new half-hour series with Banks as one of its stars and executive producers. The project comes from Liz Heldens, the co-creator and co-showrunner behind ABC’s hit drama Will Trent, and writer Matt Ward.
Elizabeth Banks will headline Apple TV’s new comedy series
The untitled comedy is about Heidi, played by Banks, a woman navigating life after a messy divorce. According to the official logline, “Fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s retirement community sex dates, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son” (via Variety).
Elizabeth Banks steps into the role with substantial momentum. She currently stars alongside Matthew Macfadyen in the Peacock series The Miniature Wife and also recently appeared with Jessica Biel in Amazon’s The Better Sister. Audiences know her comedy instincts well from 30 Rock and Scrubs, along with blockbuster film franchises like Pitch Perfect and The Hunger Games.
On the other hand, this is a jump into half-hour comedy for Heldens, who built her reputation on hour-long dramas like Friday Night Lights, The Passage, and Mercy. She co-created Will Trent and recently got a fifth season renewal for the series. Additionally, Ward’s background aligns tightly with the genre, having joined Heldens on The Big Leap and Mercy. The two will reportedly serve as writers, executive producers, and showrunners.
Production is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles later this year. Jonathan Krisel, known for his work on Portlandia and Baskets, has reportedly been tapped to helm the pilot and executive produce. Max Handelman and Krissy Wall will executive produce for Banks’ Brownstone Productions.
Quinn Haberman will also executive produce the series along with Heldens for Selfish Mermaid, while Jason Winer and Jon Radler serve the same duties for Small Dog Picture Company.
The release date and other details are yet to be announced.
