Eddie Murphy is making his scripted television debut, with the actor set to star in Peacock’s upcoming drama The Chairman.
The series is being developed by Matthew Weiner, the creator of Mad Men. Plot details have not been announced. If the project is greenlit, it will mark Murphy’s first live-action scripted series role.
The Chairman will be produced by Universal Television and 101 Studios. Murphy and Weiner will also serve as producers on the series.
Variety reported that the project is the first to come from former Paramount executive Chris McCarthy’s deal with NBCUniversal. McCarthy joined the company in a consulting role focused on its relationship with 101 Studios.
Murphy began his career on Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member from 1980 to 1984. He went on to build a film career with titles including Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, Harlem Nights, Dr. Dolittle, Dreamgirls and Dolemite Is My Name.
His scripted television work has mostly been in animation. Murphy co-created and voiced The PJs, but has not previously taken on a regular role in a live-action scripted series.
Weiner is best known for Mad Men, which ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015. He also worked as a writer and executive producer on The Sopranos. His later credits include creating the Amazon anthology series The Romanoffs.
With The Chairman, Murphy is taking on a new format after decades of working primarily in film and comedy. The project remains in development at Peacock, with further details yet to be announced.
