Eddie Murphy Breaks 40-Year Drought for First Scripted Series with Matthew Weiner

Key points

• Eddie Murphy is attached to star in 'The Chairman,' a drama series in development at Peacock.
• The series is created, written, and executive produced by Matthew Weiner, alongside Murphy.
• This is Murphy's first scripted live-action TV role since his 1980-1984 run on 'Saturday Night Live.'
• The project is produced by 101 Studios and Universal Television, marking the first collaboration between NBCUniversal, 101 Studios, and Chris McCarthy.
• Plot details for 'The Chairman' have not been disclosed by any outlet.

Background

Eddie Murphy launched his career on 'Saturday Night Live' (1980-1984) before transitioning to film, with credits including 'Beverly Hills Cop,' 'Coming to America,' and 'Dreamgirls.' He previously co-created the animated series 'The PJs' and the sitcom 'The Royal Family,' but never headlined a scripted live-action series. Matthew Weiner is best known for creating 'Mad Men' (2007-2015) and previously worked on 'The Sopranos' and 'The Romanoffs' (2018). The 101 Studios deal with NBCUniversal began in January 2026, following a consulting role for Chris McCarthy reported in November 2025.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Daily Beast all confirm the core facts: Murphy's starring role, Weiner's creator role, and the Peacock platform. Variety and THR emphasize the production deal between 101 Studios, Universal Television, and NBCUniversal, noting it as the first project under Chris McCarthy's consulting arrangement. Deadline highlights Murphy's lack of scripted series experience since the 1990s, while The Daily Beast frames the move as a significant career milestone for a comedian rarely seen in dramatic TV. All outlets agree that plot details remain unannounced, with no disagreement on the fundamental facts.

Why it matters

This marks a major career pivot for Eddie Murphy, who has been primarily a film and comedy star for over 40 years. It also signals a return to series development for Matthew Weiner, who has not had a new series picked up since 2018. The project tests the new creative pipeline between NBCUniversal, 101 Studios, and Chris McCarthy, potentially influencing future Peacock drama development.

What to watch

No production start date, cast additions, or plot details have been announced. The series is currently in development at Peacock. Murphy's next film, 'Shrek 5,' is set for release next year, and Weiner has no other active series projects. Industry watchers will monitor for greenlight confirmation and additional casting announcements.