Television’s landscape is about to get a jolt of humor, heart, and a hefty dose of second chances as The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins prepares to make its highly anticipated debut. Premiering on February 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, this new comedy series brings together a star-studded ensemble, including Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Jalyn Hall, and Precious Way. The show’s premise? A disgraced former football star, Reggie Dinkins, played by Morgan, is on a mission to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation, with the help—and sometimes hindrance—of an award-winning filmmaker, Arthur Tobin, portrayed by Radcliffe. It’s a story about redemption, but also about the hilarity and chaos that ensue when worlds collide.
For Precious Way, who steps into the role of Brina, Reggie’s new girlfriend, joining the cast was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. She confessed to PEOPLE that walking into the first table read and seeing Daniel Radcliffe was a surreal moment. “I’m not going to lie. The other ones, they probably try to front, but I definitely had my Harry Potter moment,” Way admitted. “I called my manager, I said, ‘Y’all didn’t tell me I was going to be on a show with Harry Potter!’” The nerves, however, quickly gave way to camaraderie. Way soon “fell in love with Daniel,” not just for his fame but for the genuine, down-to-earth person she found behind the iconic roles.
Radcliffe, it turns out, was just as invested in the lives of his castmates as he was in his character. Way shared a surprising anecdote: “I told Daniel some of my tea, because I thought, ‘Oh, he doesn’t care. He’s not interested in my business and the silly things that I do.’ Oh, I was wrong. He was so entertained. He ate it up.” Not only did Radcliffe listen, but he would circle back to check in on the stories she shared, even going as far as researching details and weighing in on her romantic prospects. “He’s pulling up the pictures. He’s like, ‘I don’t know. You could do a little better.’ What?!” Way exclaimed. “Oh my goodness. I love him, though. I didn’t know it was going to go that way, but I love it.”
But the magic on set wasn’t just between Way and Radcliffe. Tracy Morgan, who not only stars but also serves as executive producer, created an environment that was both welcoming and electric. Morgan, known for his quick wit and larger-than-life presence, described the show’s premise as “clever” and “relevant.” In an interview with The Nerds of Color, he explained, “It’s overall funny. The premise is clever, and it’s relevant. It’s happening now. With all the gambling scandals and all of that going on, [the cancel culture]. We’re up against all of that, and we’re winning. We’re older now, but we’re winning.”
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins embraces a mockumentary style, breaking the fourth wall and inviting the audience to become part of the story. Bobby Moynihan, who plays Rusty Boyd, shared his enthusiasm for this approach: “It’s fun to shoot a fake documentary because you finish a funny line, and then you look directly at the camera and essentially go, do you agree with me, audience? It’s very cool, it feels like you’re bringing the audience in on the comedy. It feels like another character in the show. I really enjoy doing it.”
Erika Alexander, who plays Monica Reese-Dinkins, described her return to network television as a second chance she doesn’t take for granted. “This is my second time back on network TV comedy, and I always thought I deserved a second chance,” she reflected. “Here I am on NBC. To come around after, what now, 30-something years, and actually find myself on a network TV show with top actors, top writers, and performers, that’s a second chance, and I don’t take it for granted.” Her sentiment echoes the show’s central theme: the possibility—and the comedy—of redemption.
The official logline sets the stage: "Disgraced former football star Reggie Dinkins (Morgan) is on a mission to rehabilitate his image with the help of award-winning filmmaker Arthur Tobin (Radcliffe). But in order to earn back the admiration of his fans and the respect of his family, Reggie will also have to confront the ghosts of his past." It’s a narrative that feels especially timely as public figures grapple with the fallout of scandals, cancel culture, and the ever-shifting landscape of fame.
The show’s relevance isn’t lost on its cast. Morgan pointed out that the series addresses issues like gambling scandals and cancel culture, topics that have dominated headlines in recent years. Yet, for all its topicality, the series never loses sight of its comedic core. The mockumentary format, reminiscent of classics like The Office and Parks and Recreation, allows the characters to wink at the audience, drawing them into the absurdity and poignancy of Reggie’s journey.
Daniel Radcliffe, reflecting on his own career, credited Dame Maggie Smith for giving him a crucial second chance that ultimately led to his casting as Harry Potter. “A person who gave me a second chance after working with me once was Maggie Smith, and that is the reason that I got Harry Potter,” Radcliffe recounted. “So, in no small part, because I had done David Copperfield with her, and that was my first job, and then she was cast in Harry Potter, and she was like, ‘You should look at this kid.’ Then my parents said, ‘No, absolutely not,’ for a few months, because at that point, it was gonna be filmed in L.A., and you had to sign on for 10 years, and then it all changed. But yeah, so Maggie Smith, I definitely wouldn’t be here without her and that.”
The ensemble cast is rounded out by Jalyn Hall, with each performer bringing their own flavor to the mix. The chemistry among the actors is palpable, and the behind-the-scenes stories suggest a set filled with laughter, support, and genuine connection—a rarity in the fast-paced world of television production.
After its premiere, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins will continue to air Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC, with episodes available on Peacock the following day. The pilot will be followed by a new episode at 8:30 p.m. on opening night, giving viewers a double dose of the show’s unique blend of humor and heart. For those who love a good comeback story—or just need a reason to laugh at life’s messiness—this series promises to deliver.
As the curtain rises on Reggie Dinkins’ quest for redemption, viewers can expect a show that’s as thoughtful as it is funny, as timely as it is timeless. With its talented cast, sharp writing, and a story that celebrates the messiness of second chances, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins looks poised to win over audiences—and maybe even inspire a little hope along the way.