Full Breakdown
Elizabeth Banks Leads New Apple TV+ Comedy Series
7/17/2026, 4:13:43 AM
Core Event
Apple TV+ has ordered an untitled half-hour comedy series created by Liz Heldens and Matt Ward. The show follows Heidi (Elizabeth Banks), a newly divorced mother who seeks a fresh start for herself and her children while becoming entangled in her father-in-law’s (Ted Danson) retirement-community sexcapades. Production is slated to begin in Los Angeles later in 2026.
Background & Context
The series is produced by 20th Television and will be show-run and executive-produced by Heldens and Ward. Elizabeth Banks also serves as an executive producer through her Brownstone Productions banner, alongside Max Handelman and Krissy Wall. Jonathan Krisel—known for “Adults” and “English Teacher”—will direct the pilot and act as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Quinn Haberman (for “Selfish Mermaid”), Jason Winer and Jon Radler (for Small Dog Picture Company). The project expands Apple TV+’s lineup of original comedies aimed at family-oriented audiences.
Key Figures & Groups
- Elizabeth Banks – Lead actress (Heidi) and executive producer via Brownstone Productions.
- Ted Danson – Plays Heidi’s father-in-law, whose retirement-community antics drive the plot.
- Katey Sagal, Rob Delaney, Jared Goldstein, Spencer Moss – Cast members announced earlier in the series.
- Hamish Linklater – Cast as Evan, Heidi’s ex-husband; represented by Untitled Entertainment, Gersh, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
- Michelle Buteau – Cast as Melissa, a talented ad executive; represented by Mosaic and CAA.
- Simu Liu – Cast as Dr. Zhou, the physician treating Heidi’s son; represented by CAA, 1v1 Entertainment, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
- Unnamed actor – Portrays the girlfriend’s perpetually single son, whose alliance with Heidi becomes central to the story.
Production Details
Filming will occur in Los Angeles in 2026, with Krisel directing the pilot episode. The series will be delivered in a half-hour format, though the total episode count and release date remain undisclosed. Executive producers Max Handelman and Krissy Wall join the production team under the Brownstone Productions banner, while Small Dog Picture Company and Selfish Mermaid also receive executive-producer credits.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All reports refer to the project as “untitled,” and no official title has been released. No public statements from the creators, cast, or Apple TV+ have been issued, leaving details such as episode order, tonal direction, and premiere window unconfirmed.
What’s Next
Production is set to commence later in 2026. Following the start of filming, Apple TV+ is expected to announce a premiere window and release additional casting or promotional material as the series moves from pre-production to post-production.
