Eddie Murphy Signs On for His First Live-Action TV Lead Role in New Peacock Drama

Eddie Murphy is set to star in a new drama series for Peacock, marking a major career first. Per Variety, the project, titled "The Chairman," would be his debut leading role in a live-action scripted television show.

The series comes from Matthew Weiner, the creator of the acclaimed drama "Mad Men." Both Murphy and Weiner are attached as producers. Details about the story are being kept under wraps for now.

According to reports, Universal Television and 101 Studios will produce. The latter company is led by David Glasser, an executive producer on "Yellowstone." The deal also involves former Paramount executive Chris McCarthy in a consulting role, as part of his new arrangement with NBCUniversal.

TheWrap notes this will be Murphy's first regular scripted TV part since his early career. He famously performed on "Saturday Night Live" in the early 1980s. His only other scripted TV credit is as a voice actor on the animated series "The PJs," which he also helped create.