Deadline reports that the longest-running Weekend Update host on Saturday Night Live, Colin Jost (Staten Island Summer, Tom & Jerry), is set to Executive Produce and Star in a scripted series. Developed by Peacock, the show will follow Larry Lavin, as depicted in the Audacy podcast Wolves Among Us.
In tandem with Jost writing and producing for the show will be Alex Barnow (Shaft, Till Death). The show is billed as a drama, but with two comedic talents at the helm, it’s likely to have a humorous twist. And what is more humorous of a twist than an unassuming dentist from an Ivy League school who gets filthy rich by flooding the East Coast with cocaine? The show will be a look into the FBI and IRS investigations that eventually took down the double life kingpin.
Paste Magazine called the move “Jost’s turn to try the comedian to drama series drug lord pivot.” Likening the move to that of Bryan Cranston’s (Your Honor, Argylle) epic transition from a series like Malcolm in the Middle to a grittier drama like Breaking Bad. They also criticized the casting of Jost, casting doubt on his ability to bring authenticity to the role and his lack of a dramatic background.
Taking on the new role and juggling his current responsibilities at SNL shouldn’t be too far of a stretch for Jost, as many of his colleagues find the time to juggle multiple shows and the live sketch comedy. Barnow will also be taking on dual roles as he serves not only as the co-executive producer alongside Jeff Grosvenor, but also as the showrunner. The “Yuppy Conspiracy” drama will be Jost’s first appearance on primetime TV and quite the contrast to sketch acting and hosting Pop Culture Jeopardy! Although we have had a glimpse of what he looks like in more traditional roles in movies like Staten Island Summer and Tom & Jerry.