Steve Callaghan, Former ‘Family Guy’ Showrunner, Writes ‘Trivia Night Mysteries’; Filming Complete with Morgan Bradley and Alex Trumble
Former Family Guy Showrunner Launches New Cozy Crime Film Series
Steve Callaghan, known for his role as a showrunner on Family Guy, is making strides in the film industry with his latest project, Trivia Night Mysteries. The production team recently completed shooting the pilot for this 90-minute movie, which is set to be the first installment in a planned series of mystery films. This initiative will also be adapted into a two-part television show titled Trivia Night Mysteries: A Question of Murder, with a global release slated for the first quarter of 2026.
Filmed on location in Jefferson City, Missouri, Trivia Night Mysteries stars Morgan Bradley as Sara Keane, a clever fact-checker and trivia enthusiast who embarks on a quest to solve a murder when a rival player is killed. Joining Bradley is Alex Trumble, who plays Reid Taggart, a charismatic lawyer assisting Sara in both her sleuthing and in navigating a budding romantic relationship.
Vincenzo Conrorio directed the film based on a teleplay by Callaghan, which producers describe as incorporating the writer’s signature “blend of clever dialogue and character-driven humor.” They aim to present a refreshing twist on the cozy mystery genre, combining elements of small-town charm, wit, and suspenseful sleuthing. Callaghan also serves as an executive producer alongside Vanessa Shapiro and Scott Kirkpatrick from Nicely Entertainment.
Callaghan, who was part of the original writing team for Family Guy and served as showrunner for its eighth season through the fourteenth, has also been involved with another of Seth MacFarlane’s series, American Dad. Trivia Night Mysteries marks his first foray into the mystery genre.
With pre-production already underway for additional installments, Callaghan expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I’m beyond thrilled to see Trivia Night Mysteries come to life. This world and its characters are so much fun to write, and I can’t wait for viewers to watch Sara and Reid search for clues while simultaneously navigating their budding, flirtatious attraction to each other.” He praised Nicely Entertainment for fostering a creative environment that resonates with audiences.
Vanessa Shapiro, founder and CEO of Nicely Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing their confidence in the project’s appeal. "We’re confident this engaging and witty mystery series will be embraced by audiences everywhere," she said, highlighting its clever storytelling and charm.
Nicely Entertainment has a strong track record, producing films like Royal in Paradise and A Christmas Frequency, as well as TV series such as The Abigail Mysteries and Dive Club on Netflix.
Callaghan is represented by Yorn Levine Barnes.
