Though fans are rejoicing for the imminent return of Night Court on January 2, 2024, the team will be missing a major member. Deadline has reported that Kapil Talwalkar, who played court clerk Neil in the NBC sitcom, won’t be returning for Season 2.
The reason for Talwalkar’s exit from the show has not been revealed yet, but — according to Deadline — the second season will be faithful to the original Night Court, which ran from 1984 to 1992. The actor’s exit was, of course, sad news for fans of the show considering his significant role in Judge Abby Stone’s (Melissa Rauch) court.
The Night Court revival was an instant hit
Despite its big shoes to fill, the revival of the hit NBC series debuted to strong viewership and favorable critical reception. It follows Raunch’s Abby Stone as she follows in the footsteps of her father, Judge Harry Stone, a lead character from the original series portrayed by Harry Anderson.
The official synopsis for Night Court reads: “Unapologetic optimist judge Abby Stone, the daughter of the late Harry Stone, follows in her father’s footsteps as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court and tries to bring order to its crew of oddballs and cynics, most notably former night court prosecutor Dan Fielding.”
Created by Reinhold Weege, the show’s cast also includes India de Beaufort as Olivia Moore, Lacretta as Gurgs Gurganous, John Larroquette as Dan Fielding, Pete Holmes as Rand, and Gary Anthony Williams as Judge Flobert.
In addition to starring as the lead character, Raunch also serves as the show’s executive producer alongside Dan Rubin and Winston Rauch. Night Court is produced by Warner Bros. Television in association with After January Productions and Universal Television.
Night Court Season 1 is available to stream on Peacock, with Season 2 premiering on January 2, 2024.
