Alec Baldwin will play the mayor of New York City in an unnamed series for HBO.
Talented actor/whirling top of dysfunction Alec Baldwin will return to episodic television in an unnamed series for HBO. Baldwin will play Joe Byrne, a “billionaire real estate developer philanthropist” who is drafted into the role of mayor of New York City after tragedy befalls the sitting mayor.
More from Entertainment
- 10 greatest fictional football players of all time
- Stephen A. Smith learned quickly not to mess with Rihanna
- Everything to know about Taylor Swift’s Thursday Night Football appearance
- House of the Dragon live stream: How to watch
- From boxing to cinema, Javon Walton stars in Samaritan with Stallone
The whereabouts of the deputy mayor remain unknown, or at least they’re not mentioned in the Deadline article that broke the story.
Baldwin’s last long-term TV commitment was as conservative television executive Jack Donaghy on Tina Fey’s 30 Rock.
On that show, Baldwin’s character did indeed once contemplate a run for mayor of New York City, so fans of the defunct sitcom who are still upset over its passing could consider this a continuation of sorts.
The circumstances surrounding this series are a little different, though. For one thing, it’ll be an hour-long drama instead of than a half-hour sitcom. Deadline writer Mike Fleming Jr. relates that producers will be trying to “consistently hit the tone of the lightest and most entertaining episodes of The Sopranos,” which is certainly an interesting goal.
Also, while the rich, larger-the-life lead character shares a few similarities with Jack Donaghy, there are some notable differences. Here’s what Baldwin had to say about his new role:
"“The character is a philanthropist, a big businessman and well-known tabloid fixture in New York. He’s Trump without the baggage, Bloomberg but a Democrat, George Soros if he was in real estate, a left-leaning Democrat who is also a businessman who understands the reality of how the city has to be run to create the right climate for the business community. He’s drafted for this run because the alternative would be catastrophe.”"
On 30 Rock, Jack Donaghy became a beloved character because he was such an effective parody of the kind of ultra-conservative, business-minded mogul we assume actually runs the world.
The fact that Baldwin was consistently hilarious in the role didn’t hurt either. Based on the information available, this new character sounds a little of the self-congratulatory side. He’s as rich and competent as Jack Donaghy, but his politics sound more in line with Baldwin’s own.
In addition to starring in the series, Baldwin will also serve, alongside Cary Brokaw, as its executive producer. Hopefully, he’ll be able to curb any self-indulgent instincts he may have during the show’s run.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle