Elizabeth Banks Joins New Comedy Series on Apple TV from Liz Heldens and Matt Ward
Apple TV has officially approved a new comedy series from Liz Heldens, known for her work on Will Trent, and Matt Ward, who created Best Medicine. Elizabeth Banks, recognized for her role in Miniature Wife, will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
The untitled half-hour project, previously known as We’re All Gonna Die, is produced by 20th Television, where Heldens holds an overall deal. The series has been in development at Apple TV since at least last fall and gained momentum following 20th Television’s recent acquisition of a California tax credit.
Filming is scheduled to commence in Los Angeles later this year. The project marks Banks’ return to the half-hour comedy format, having previously held notable recurring roles in Scrubs and 30 Rock.
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The series follows Heidi, portrayed by Banks, as she navigates life after a tumultuous divorce. Determined to create a vibrant second act for herself and her children, she unexpectedly becomes involved in coordinating her father’s retirement community dating escapades, forming an unexpected partnership with her father’s girlfriend’s continually single son.
Heldens and Ward will serve as both executive producers and showrunners. Banks will also produce alongside Max Handelman and Krissy Wall under her Brownstone Productions. Jonathan Krisel, known for Adults, will direct the pilot and also join the team as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Quinn Haberman for Selfish Mermaid, and Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.
In addition to this new venture, Banks stars in and produces the Peacock series The Miniature Wife, and previously executive produced and starred in the Prime Video limited series The Better Sister. She is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Heldens has a notable background, having created the 2009 NBC medical drama Mercy, the 2013 series Deception, and contributed to Friday Night Lights. This project marks her inaugural entry into half-hour series production.
Ward brings experience in half-hour comedies such as My Name Is Earl and Suburgatory, with recent credits including Fox’s Best Medicine and The Big Leap, as well as CBS’ Madam Secretary.
