Eddie Murphy is poised to make his scripted television debut with The Chairman, a new drama series in development at Peacock.
The Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor has been cast in the project, which comes from Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner. Plot details have not yet been announced, leaving Murphy’s character and the drama’s central premise under wraps for now.
The Chairman will be produced by 101 Studios and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series also represents the first project between NBCUniversal, 101 Studios and its CEO David Glasser, and longtime collaborator Chris McCarthy as part of McCarthy’s overall deal with NBCUniversal. Glasser’s credits include Mobland, Yellowstone and Landman.
A Major Television Milestone for Murphy
Although Murphy’s career began on television, The Chairman will mark his first scripted series and his first regular TV role since his time on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Murphy spent four seasons as a cast member on the sketch comedy show, from 1980 through 1984, with the series launching his comedy career.
He subsequently built an extensive film résumé that includes the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, 1996’s The Nutty Professor, 1998’s Doctor Dolittle, 2003’s The Haunted Mansion and Daddy Day Care, 2008’s Meet Dave and 2023’s You People.
Murphy has also taken on prominent voice roles. He voiced Donkey in the Shrek franchise and Thurgoode Orenthal Stubbs in The PJs. In 2007, he received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor for his performance in Dreamgirls.
Matthew Weiner Returns With a New Drama
Weiner arrives at The Chairman with nine Emmy wins and a television career that includes two acclaimed long-running dramas. He created and served as showrunner of Mad Men, which ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015, and previously worked as a writer and executive producer on The Sopranos.
His additional credits include The Romanoffs, Becker and Are You Here.
With Murphy attached as its star and Weiner developing the drama, The Chairman brings together two decorated entertainment figures for a project that marks a new chapter in Murphy’s television career. The series remains in development at Peacock, with its story still to be revealed.