Ben Stiller is set to take on a leading role in The Band, a new hourlong dramedy series currently in development at HBO. This will mark Stiller’s first regular television role since The Ben Stiller Show in the 1990s, although he has made numerous small-screen appearances since, including recurring roles as Tony Wonder on Arrested Development and himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The Band, created by Sarah Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers—best known for co-creating Search Party—will offer an inside look at the music industry. Stiller stars as Oscar, a beleaguered pop impresario and talent mogul, who is embroiled in scandal. To salvage both his career and his soul, Oscar is tasked with forming a new boy band. His character will share some similarities with Simon Cowell, known for his role as a tough and often controversial music industry judge.
In recent years, Stiller has become more involved behind the scenes in television, particularly as an executive producer and director. His most notable recent work is Severance, the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller that has garnered critical acclaim. The series, which stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, follows employees at Lumon Industries who undergo a procedure that divides their memories between their work and personal lives. As Mark becomes entangled in a growing mystery, the show explores themes of identity and work-life balance.
Severance’s second season, which premiered last month, has been praised for its depth and storytelling. Alex Maidy, in his review, stated, “The second season of Severance does not disappoint and achieves the rare feat of improving upon the debut season.” Maidy commended the exceptional cast and Stiller’s direction, noting that the world-building had only deepened, adding layers to the characters and giving audiences reasons to care about both the protagonists and their antagonists.
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