Eddie Murphy to Star in Matthew Weiner's Peacock Drama 'The Chairman'

Key points

• Eddie Murphy is cast in 'The Chairman,' his first live-action scripted TV series since 'Saturday Night Live' (1980-1984).
• The series is created by Matthew Weiner, known for 'Mad Men' and 'The Sopranos,' and will be his first new series since 'The Romanoffs' (2018).
• The project is produced by 101 Studios (led by David Glasser) and Universal Television, under a first-look deal with NBCUniversal.
• It is the first project from Chris McCarthy's consulting deal with NBCUniversal, reported in November 2025.
• Plot details are not yet announced, but the show is confirmed as a drama series on Peacock.

Background

Eddie Murphy has been largely absent from scripted television since leaving 'Saturday Night Live' in 1984, focusing on film and voice roles. Matthew Weiner's last major series was 'The Romanoffs' in 2018. This project follows recent Peacock expansions, including the greenlighting of a 'Fast & Furious' TV series for 2028.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety emphasize the historic nature of Murphy's return to scripted TV and the high-profile collaboration with Weiner. A.V. Club notes the scarcity of recent work for both Murphy and Weiner, questioning the potential impact given their limited output in the last decade. All sources agree on the production details and the lack of plot information.

Why it matters

This marks a significant shift for Eddie Murphy, who has dominated comedy for decades, into a dramatic role. It also signals a new creative direction for Matthew Weiner after a long hiatus from series development. The collaboration highlights Peacock's strategy to attract top-tier talent for original scripted content.

What to watch

No premiere date or plot details have been announced. The project is in development, and further updates on casting, writing, or production timelines are expected as it progresses.