Rhys Darby from ‘Our Flag Means Death’ Joins CBS Pilot ‘Regency’ as Heir to a Cheese Fortune
Rhys Darby, known for his roles in Flight of the Conchords and Our Flag Means Death, has been cast in the upcoming CBS and Warner Bros. pilot Regency, written and executive produced by Tara Hernandez, a veteran of Mrs. Davis and The Big Bang Theory. This project is being considered for the 2026/27 broadcast season.
Regency presents a historical twist on the traditional multi-camera family sitcom, focusing on the upper-middle-class Tillbrook family as they navigate life, love, and scandal in 19th-century England.
In the lead role, Darby will portray Arthur Tillbrook, the head of the family residence, Hartford Park. He is the heir to a significant cheese empire but strives to embody a "guy’s guy," often going to great lengths to assert his masculinity, which is frequently challenged by his privileged upbringing.
Should Regency be picked up for a full series, it will mark a return to CBS for Hernandez, who previously served as a co-executive producer on The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. She also has a history with Warner Bros., having created the sci-fi comedy drama Mrs. Davis, which aired for one season on Peacock.
Darby gained significant recognition for his role in HBO’s acclaimed series Flight of the Conchords, where he starred as Murray Hewitt, the band’s manager. He has collaborated extensively with fellow New Zealanders Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, including on the 2014 mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows, which inspired the FX television adaptation. Most recently, he appeared in HBO Max’s short-lived yet beloved series Our Flag Means Death as Stede Bonnet.
In addition to his television work, Darby has an impressive film portfolio, featuring roles in The Boat That Rocked, Yes Man, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, with expectations for his return in the franchise’s third installment. He is represented by UTA, Artists First, and Yorn, Levine.
