Comedy as a genre has always been huge in the world of television. Comedy shows—from purely comedic outings to sitcoms and dramedies—have always occupied a special place in the audience’s mind, largely because of their undemanding yet highly rewarding natures. Comedies are ideal to sit back and relax, not quite asking their viewers to turn off their brains but never overstepping their welcome.

The 2000s produced several incredible comedies. The new millennium’s changing attitudes produced works of true genius, groundbreaking comedies that pushed boundaries while still embracing tradition. In many ways, the best comedies from the 2000s are the last of their kind, sandwiched between Gen X ideas from the ’90s and the new wave of trends from the 2010s. These comedies are funny, wicked, and brilliant, genuine works of humorous excellence that stand tall and proudly in the pantheon of great shows from the small screen.

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‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

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Malcolm in the Middle premiered in the spring of 2000, and noughties pop culture was never the same. Frankie Muniz stars as the titular character, an 11-year-old prodigy living with his lower-middle-class family, a dysfunctional yet well-meaning bunch. The show chronicles the family’s life and their numerous misadventures with friends and family.

Acclaimed for its dark, biting humor and earnest take on working-class families, Malcolm in the Middle was a worthy heir to sitcoms that came before, like Roseanne. Benefitting from an impressive cast, including the underrated Jane Kaczmarek and future Walter White, Bryan Cranston, Malcolm in the Middle is an influential comedy that paved the way for future single-camera hits like The Office and Arrested Development. In Frank Reynolds’ words, Malcolm “changed the game.”

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‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

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And speaking of The Office, few shows have the chokehold this wacky series has on pop culture. Steve Carell stars as Michael Scott, the largely useless and highly unprofessional regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin paper company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show follows several characters working under him, following a mockumentary style and featuring one-on-one interviews.

One of the most popular and enduring comedy shows from the 2000s, The Office is widely regarded for its quotes, distinctive humor style, and the performances of its cast. Embracing chaos and an over-the-top approach, The Office soars to new comedy heights due to its impressive and committed ensemble. The writing is good, but the cast takes it and makes the most out of it, often turning already funny material into a work of true comedic genius. The Office remains an enduring part of the 2000s, continuing to attract new fans thanks to streaming.

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‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

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Arriving late into the decade, Modern Family was an instant hit. The show revolves around a large and chaotic yet loving blended family and stars a large ensemble cast. Like other peers from its time, Modern Family uses a mockumentary approach, featuring interviews, voice-overs, and meta-humor.

A five-time Emmy Winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, Modern Family dominated the first half of the 2010s. The show was famous for its wild but heartwarming humor, which wasn’t afraid to make biting jokes, sometimes at the expense of its game cast. Modern Family also featured a large parade of guest stars, to the point where it seems anyone who’s anyone had a stint on the show. Although it features many of the questionable jokes that many other comedy series from its time indulged in, Modern Family‘s loving depiction of family remains a highlight, especially as television became increasingly cynical throughout the 2010a.

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‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

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When discussing comedies from the 2000s, Parks and Recreation stands tall among its peers. Fresh off her eight-season stint on Saturday Night Live, Amy Poehler starred in the beloved show as Leslie Knope, the cheerful and shamelessly optimistic deputy director of the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The show featured a large ensemble supporting cast, including Adam Scott and Nick Offerman.

Following a highly divisive first season, Parks and Recreation came back with full force for its impressive sophomore effort, finding its footing and settling into a unique brand of humor. The show is widely known for its mix of positive comedy and wacky performances. Yet, the show’s overt political message never became grating, instead acting as an idealizes look into how things could be. And while its comedy might seem dated today, Parks and Recreation remains a wonderful photograph of a specific time and place.

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‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

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Few shows have the right to be called truly unique; Pushing Daisies is one. From the vibrant mind of Bryan Fuller, the series follows Ned, a pie maker with the ability to bring back the dead by touching them; however, a second touch will kill them forever. When he impulsively brings his childhood crush back to life, he must settle into a bizarre existence, living with her but being unable to touch her.

Pushing Daisies is a gem of noughties television. With a quirky sense of humor, remarkably witty dialogue, and stellar production design, the show was like nothing airing in 2007. Pushing Daisies made use of music, meta-humor, and an endearing, bizarre tone to tell a modern fairy tale with a twist. Canceled far too soon, Pushing Daisies has aged beautifully, its oddball style seeming just as fresh today as it was in 2007. And while fans might never see the pie maker again, the show’s impact will forever endure in the hearts of all those who fell under its spell.

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‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

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Long before he was a movie star and Emmy-winning director, Jason Bateman was starring as the only sane person in a collection of delusional oddballs. Arrested Development sees him playing Michael Bluth, who unexpectedly becomes CEO of his family’s company after his father goes to prison. The show’s straight man, Michael must deal with his wild family, who don’t react the best at the prospect of losing their wealth.

Featuring over-the-top humor and bombastic performances, Arrested Development is almost surreal, a comedy that packs layers upon layers of humor, often in one single line. It has one of television’s best ensembles, including comedic geniuses like the late Jessica Walters, Tony Hale, and Will Arnett. Featuring lively narration from Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, an endless parade of guest stars, and multiple jokes that have become iconic, Arrested Development is a comedic triumph and a defining series of 2000s television.

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‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

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Larry David created and stars as a fictionalized version of himself in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show chronicles his life as a semi-retired television writer and actor, featuring numerous real-life stars from his life as fictionalized versions of himself. Curb openly acknowledges David’s contributions to the medium, most notably as a co-creator of the 90s hit Seinfeld.

Curb Your Enthusiasm has been one of the best-reviewed shows for over twenty years. Returning sporadically throughout the 21st century with new seasons, each better than the one before, Curb excels as an exploration of David’s public persona and a distillation of the very idea of celebrity. With incredible writing brought to life by David and an excellent ensemble, Curb Your Enthusiasm is a biting, cynical, and revealing look into the mind of one of modern television’s most influential figures, allowing viewers a better understanding of the medium itself.

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‘The Comeback’ (2005–2014)

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Straight after the ending of Friends, Emmy winner Lisa Kudrow returned to primetime television as the star of her own show. Co-created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, The Comeback follows Valerie Cherish, a former sitcom star who mounts a return to television with a supporting role in a new sitcom and a reality show tracking her journey of preparation.

Phoebe Buffay might be Kudrow’s most beloved character, but without a doubt, Valerie Cherish is her finest creation. Equal parts absurd, engaging, relatable, and frustrating, Valerie is a marvelous creation from one of television’s most gifted performers and one of HBO’s best characters. As a show, The Comeback is just as farcical as its protagonist, a sharp and revelatory portrayal of fame-seeking hunger, the same that would take over pop culture in the following years with the rise of reality stars and influencers. The Comeback turned out to be prophetic in many ways, only adding to its ever-rising prestige.

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‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–Present)

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the longest-running sitcom in television history, an impressive feat considering its peculiar brand of politically incorrect humor. The show centers on The Gang, a group of irresponsible, egotistical, and arguably sociopathic friends who spend their days running a pub, Paddy’s, and coming up with ludicrous schemes.

It’s truly a testament to Sunny‘s excellence that it’s the longest-running live-action sitcom, and it remains as fresh and shocking as it was while still in the single digits. Sunny is morbid, unflinching, and utterly unafraid, challenging conventions and expectations while delivering a hilarious and, more often than not, unsettling depiction of twisted friendship. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has pushed every boundary imaginable, resulting in a true riot unlike anything airing on television. Daring and more willing to make a fool out of itself than any other show, Sunny is a savage show with a loyal fanbase that has stuck with them for 16 years and counting.

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’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

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From the mind of Tina Fey comes 30 Rock, quite possibly the most acclaimed and celebrated comedy from the 2000s. Based on Fey’s experiences as head writer in Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock chronicles the behind-the-scenes comings-and-goings of a fictional live sketch comedy show. Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, Tracy Jordan, and Jack McBrayer also star.

30 Rock marked a before-and-after in modern television. A groundbreaking show for its fast-paced, highly ironic and satirical tone, 30 Rock was the perfect combination of stellar writing and outstanding acting. Despite being an overt satire, many of its jokes have aged beautifully, with the show acting as an unexpected prophet for late 2010s and early 2020s culture. Named by multiple publications as one of the best comedies in TV history, 30 Rock is not only the best sitcom from the 21st century but a game-changing effort that offered valuable insights into corporate structures and the people that uphold them.

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The dawn had just begun to break over the writhing mass of bodies. Packed – full of energy and as tight as sardines – and grooving relentlessly, as if they hadn’t just partied straight through the night. People, as far as the eye can see, spilling out across the field and over the hill, all eyes turned toward the stage – where, at last, a woman had appeared. Dressed all in white, bell-bottoms and fringe swaying as she walked, barefoot, towards the microphone. “Alright, friends, you have seen the heavy groups,” Grace Slick said into the microphone. “Now, you will see morning maniac music. Believe me, yeah. It’s a new dawn.” And with that, Jefferson Airplane began their much-delayed performance at the legendary 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair.

Woodstock is perhaps the most famous music festival of all time. There are countless legendary performances, innumerable moments that will never be forgotten. A then-unknown Santana appeared prior to the release of their debut album. Jimi Hendrix performed a psychedelic rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Pete Townshend of The Who chucked his guitar into the crowd. It is hard to choose a single set that stands out amongst so many inimitable live performances. That being said, Jefferson Airplane’s chaotic Sunday morning appearance just may be a cut above the rest.

Jefferson Airplane (Almost) Headlined at Woodstock

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The Woodstock Music and Art Fair was marketed as “An Aquarian Exposition in White Lake, N.Y. – Three Days of Peace & Music.” With an attendance of nearly half a million people, it is one of the largest music festivals to date. Packed to the gills with hippies and free spirits, the festival was the pièce de résistance of the 1960s counterculture movement. It is no surprise that Jefferson Airplane, an unequivocal pioneer of psychedelic rock, was one of the most highly anticipated acts on the set list.

Initially scheduled to headline on Saturday night, Jefferson Airplane did not take the stage until around eight am the following morning. The festival was famously loose, with shoddy infrastructure and inclement weather affecting the schedule as the days rolled on. The lackadaisical approach to event planning reflected the cultural liberalism in which the fair was so deeply entrenched. It wasn’t about logistics – it was all about the music, man! While the constant delays were annoying, Jefferson Airplane and the other bands at the festival were committed. They were going to perform, come hell or high water.

However, there were other obstacles that made performing a bit more difficult. The members of Jefferson Airplane, worn out from a night of smoking and drinking and waiting around, went looking for a pick-me-up. In doing so, they unintentionally ingested LSD just fifteen minutes before they were finally due to perform. Fresh morning light, hundreds of thousands of people, psychedelic rock, psychedelic substances. They had waited all night for their moment in the sun, and they weren’t about to let a little mix-up get in the way.

It was well worth the wait. Despite the relentless stream of setbacks, their performance was breathtaking. Psychedelic rock had never been as fully embodied as it was at that very moment – and never has been since. Hypnotic and powerful, they had the crowd in the palm of their collective hand as they performed songs off of their wildly popular 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. The album featured two of the band’s top hits, “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”, both of which they performed on that bizarre Sunday morning.

Jefferson Airplane’s Most Successful Album

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Surrealistic Pillow was a keystone of the San Francisco Sound, a harbinger of the Summer of Love. The record is Jefferson Airplane’s second studio album, but their first to include the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Grace Slick. The album’s title was rumored to be provided by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead – he used the term to describe the band’s nascent sound during the album’s conception. Garcia was credited as “Musical and Spiritual Advisor” on the back of the record sleeve.

While their Woodstock performance is inarguably iconic, singer Grace Slick definitely had her qualms. She criticized her own sound during their Woodstock set, stating, “If you’ve been up all night smoking, your voice is not spectacular. I mean, I didn’t get up with a big bunch of sleep the night before. So, your attention span, a bunch of things, are not working as well as they should.” While Slick may not have been completely satisfied with every aspect of their sound that morning, given the circumstances, it was a raging success.

The Jefferson Airplane Crash

A few months later, Jefferson Airplane performed at another hugely famous music festival – but perhaps “infamous” is a more apt adjective, in this case. The Altamont Speedway Free Festival was expected to be a second iteration of Woodstock. This festival, headlined by The Rolling Stones, took place in December 1969. It was shoddy and slapdash – plans fell through, poor decisions were made. Inexplicably, the outlaw motorcycle club Hells Angels had been hired for security. The Altamont Free Concert is remembered today not for the music, but for the superfluous violence that took place there. There were stabbings, drownings, and fights. The Angels, paid with bottomless beer, became increasingly aggressive in their handling of the unruly crowd. At one point, Jefferson Airplane singer/founder Marty Balin leapt off the stage mid-performance in an attempt to intervene in the jarring violence. He was knocked unconscious by one of the Angels.

This unfortunate and traumatic festival – a far cry from the “Woodstock West” they had envisioned – was the beginning of the end for Jefferson Airplane. The first flake in what would snowball into messy relationships, disagreements, and lifestyle changes, eventually leading to the band’s dissolution in the early ‘70s. Their fleeting existence as the Jefferson Airplane that graced the stages and mud-pits of Woodstock makes their Summer of Love performance all the more powerful.

While Jefferson Airplane’s popularity may not share the longevity of bands like the Grateful Dead, they had just as big (if not bigger!) of an impact on psychedelic rock music. They brought the counterculture into the mainstream, shone a spotlight on the anti-war movement and the push for social change. Jefferson Airplane was both musically and culturally significant, and they had never been more impactful than during their performance at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969.

Jimmy Kimmel confirmed that he recently offered former late-night rival Stephen Colbert the chance to guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! during his summer vacation.

“Of course, I asked him, and I think it feels premature,” Kimmel, 58, revealed to Variety in an interview published on Wednesday, July 22. “But I told him, ‘Anytime you want to host, it doesn’t matter if it’s the summer, I’ll gladly step aside.’”

While Kimmel made the offer ahead of his summer break, he revealed to the outlet that Colbert, 62, politely declined.

Both Colbert and Kimmel have been frequent targets of President Donald Trump over the years. In May, Colbert signed off as host of The Late Show after 11 years amid questions over whether his series’ cancellation was influenced by Trump, 80, recently settling a $16 million lawsuit against CBS.

Related: Jimmy Kimmel Tells His Viewers to Turn Off CBS After ‘The Late Show’ Ends

Jimmy Kimmel showed solidarity for Stephen Colbert by encouraging his viewers not to support CBS. “We will be off tomorrow night out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and staff and crew at The Late Show, whose final show on CBS airs opposite ours,” Kimmel, 58, said on […]

(The Late Show has been replaced by Comics Unleashed as part of a deal where producer and host Byron Allen purchased airtime from CBS.)

Colbert kicked off his final Late Show episode with a poignant tribute to the audience who stood by him for over a decade.

“We have done over 1,800 of these shows, and most nights I come out here and I talk to the audience beforehand, and tonight, I thought I’d talk to the audience in here and the audience out there at home,” he said. “This show, I want you to know, and you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you.”

Later in his monologue, Colbert added, “We call it the ‘joy machine’ because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears. And I can’t adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other.”

Colbert wasn’t off screen for long as he made an unannounced appearance on a public access show in Monroe, Michigan, one night after wrapping up his CBS tenure. (He previously hosted a show for Monroe Community Media in 2015 while gearing up for his Late Show debut.)

“Since I was last here in Monroe, Michigan, I spent 11 years as the primary host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, which came to an end last night,” he explained to viewers. “Viewers outside the greater Monroe area are able to view Monroe Community Media thanks to something known as streaming, which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it.”

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While Colbert likely won’t be guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! this summer, Kimmel announced on June 18 that he’d personally asked Rosie O’Donnell — another of Trump’s nemeses — to replace him for a week in August.

“As a special treat for our commander-in-chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming. So, you’re welcome,” Kimmel joked. “All I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”

Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs every on ABC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET.

In the past few years, romantic period TV shows have swept millions of viewers off their feet. From Netflix’s gift-that-keeps-on-giving Bridgerton, which is currently in production for Season 5, to Apple TV’s The Buccaneers, which gives a modern, refreshing take on the genre, these are shows that not only transport viewers into a new era, but have them at the edge of their seats with the drama, romance and intrigue.

So, of course, Netflix will likely have a new hit on their hands when the upcoming series My Brilliant Career lands on the platform on August 13, 2026. Set in Australia at the turn of the 20th Century, the series, adapted from the 1901 novel written by Miles Franklin, is set to have a feisty female protagonist, dashing love interests, and the sprawling Australian countryside as its backdrop. It’ll be the first of its kind on the platform, and it’ll surely climb the streaming charts.

What Is ‘My Brilliant Career’ About?

The novel, and subsequently the series, follows main character Sybylla (Philippa Northeast), described as a “fiercely modern young woman” who, instead of wanting to follow her family’s desires for marriage, aspires to become a writer instead. “I’m sure you’ll make someone a lovely wife,” a voice states in the trailer. “That’s Granny’s plan, not mine,” Sybylla responds. Throughout the episodes, she attempts to derail her family’s designs, as well as society’s expectations, while trying to stay true to who she is. That is, however, until she falls in love. “Will she marry, or risk it all for a creative life?” the official synopsis questions.

In addition to Northeast, the series will also star Christopher Chung as Harry, Anna Chancellor as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly as Helen, Kate Mulvany as Augusta, Jake Dunn as Frank, Alexander England as Julius, Sherry-Lee Watson as Nell and Miah Madden as Betty. The series is developed and written by Liz Doran, who’s also been a writer for Barons and Please Like Me. “It’s been a privilege to work with so many incredible creatives on this reimagining of Miles Franklin’s rollicking tale of a young woman’s quest to determine her own life,” Doran said in a statement to Netflix. “My Brilliant Career is a timeless Australian story with themes as relevant today as when it was originally published,” said Minyoung Kim, Netflix Vice President, Content APAC. “We’re excited to be partnering with some of Australia’s best creatives and talent to bring this story to a whole new generation on Netflix, and with its stunning locations, there’s no better home for this production than South Australia.”

The TV Series Won’t Be the Novel’s Only Adaptation

While the upcoming six-episode series will certainly be the first time Franklin’s novel has been highlighted on such a global stage, My Brilliant Career has been adapted onscreen before. Most famously, the novel was made into a feature film in 1979. The movie was directed by Gillian Armstrong and starred Judy Davis and Sam Neill, who sadly passed away earlier this month. The movie was beloved by critics and holds an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s hard to imagine a film filled with more quiet integrity, intelligent passion, realistic drama and genuine entertainment than Gillian Armstrong’s My Brilliant Career,” states one review. “My Brilliant Career is not only a good plot – in the full Victorian sense of that word – but is also a shimmering impressionistic gem to behold,” echoed another.

With only a few weeks until the TV version of My Brilliant Career gets released, it’s clear that Netflix could have another hit in their hands. In a genre that has been booming, and with an original source material that is such an Australian classic that it’s taught in schools around the country, My Brilliant Career will surely be another heartwarming coming-of-age story blending love, humor and just enough Australian flair to win over its viewers.

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Alyssa McClelland, Anne Renton

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  Philippa Northeast

  Sybylla

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  Anna Chancellor

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Nivea offered an important update on her health after being diagnosed with blood cancer.

“I was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, “ the “Don’t Mess With My Man” singer, 44, revealed on the Tuesday, July 22, episode of Cadillac Chronicles. “I am so grateful to God. I am going through treatment.”

During the interview, Nivea confirmed that she started treatment for the blood cancer several months ago.

According to the Mayo Clinic, leukemia is a “cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues” that develops when bone marrow produces an overabundance of white blood cells. Common symptoms include bone and joint pain, frequent infections, unexpected weight loss, recurrent nosebleeds and increased bleeding or bruising, among other warning signs.

Related: Normani Paused Music Career After Both Parents Were Diagnosed With Cancer

Normani got candid about how her parents’ respective cancer diagnoses impacted her music career and her debut solo album, Dopamine. After Normani, 27, discovered her parents, Andrea Hamilton and Derrick Hamilton, were both diagnosed with cancer, the first thing she thought was “‘F–k all of this.’” “This is bigger than the music,” Normani told Who […]

Despite her diagnosis, Niveac assured Cadillac Chronicles host Brian Freeman that she was maintaining a positive outlook due to her deep spirituality.

“Everything is going great so far and I expect it to continue,” she said. “Amen. Amen. Amen! I’m very grateful for life. It’s so cliche to say, ‘You don’t know the time nor the hour,’ but it’s true. It just helped me put a lot of things into perspective.”

The musician added, “I live in gratitude religiously. I’m just grateful for everything.”

Nivea told Freeman that she was keeping busy and even pursuing a music technology degree despite her illness.

“I’m doing things I want to do,” she declared. “I’m definitely back into my music. I’m going to school for audio engineering.”

The singer went, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to engineer, how to mix and engineer, in particular. In general, I’m just doing all the things, honey! I’m loving all my children and just being grateful. I’m taking every opportunity that comes my way!”

Nivea is a mom of four — she shares daughter Navy Talia Nash, 21, and twins Christian and London Nash, 20, with producer The-Dream. The former couple were married from 2004 to 2008.

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Following her split from The-Dream, 48, Nivea reconciled with ex-boyfriend Lil Wayne and they welcomed a son, Neal Carter, in November 2009. (Lil Wayne, 43, and Nivea broke up in 2010 but later reunited to perform the 2018 duet “Dope New Gospel.”)

Related: Rapper Bhad Bhabie, 22, Shares Cancer Update: ‘God Has the Last Say’

Rapper Bhad Bhabie received an update in her ongoing cancer battle. “Bad news from my doctor yesterday,” Bhad Bhabie, 22, wrote via X on Saturday, February 28. “God has the last say so, not my cancer.” Bhad Bhabie, who did not elaborate further or offer additional updates, announced her diagnosis in November 2024. “I’m sorry […]

Nivea is perhaps best known for her 2003 breakthrough single “Don’t Mess with My Man,” which featured brothers Brian and Brandon Casey from R&B group Jagged Edge. The track received a Best R&B Performance Award nomination at the 2003 Grammys and ultimately reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

She later scored minor hits with “Laundromat” and “Okay” in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Her most recent album, Mirrors, was released in 2019.

Ed Harris isn’t walking away from “Dutton Ranch” after all. Days after the Oscar-nominated actor openly questioned his future on the series and admitted he felt misled about the size of his role, a dramatic behind-the-scenes shake-up appears to have changed everything. 

With Season 2 gearing up for production, Harris is reportedly set to play a far more prominent part, marking a major turnaround after his very public frustrations with the show’s debut season.

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Ed Harris never hid his disappointment over how the role of Everett McKinney on “Dutton Ranch” was written. 

While speaking at the premiere of Apple TV+‘s “The Dink,” the 75-year-old revealed he accepted the role believing Everett would be one of the series’ central figures.

“Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what my character was going to do – and that I was one of the four main characters. And that wasn’t really the case,” he told Variety.

The reality quickly left him questioning whether he should remain with the series at all. According to Harris, he even told his representatives to “get me the f-ck out of here” before approaching producers directly to explain that he felt “underused and inconsequential.”

Those conversations now appear to have paid off. Sources told Deadline Harris has already been picked for Season 2, with filming expected to begin on January 15. 

His character is reportedly being given a much larger storyline this time around, and writers have allegedly kept him informed as new scripts continue to come together.

Behind-The-Scenes Changes Reportedly Followed Harris’ Frustration

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Harris’ public frustration wasn’t the only thing making headlines. According to reports, the fallout also coincided with significant changes behind the camera as the series prepared for its second season. 

Sources claim Season one showrunner Chad Feehan was removed before the show even premiered after concerns that Everett McKinney had been given far less to do than originally intended. 

“SEAL Team” creator Benjamin Cavell has since stepped in to lead the series, and insiders allege Harris was consulted during the search for the show’s new creative head. 

One Deleted Scene Nearly Sent Ed Harris Walking Away

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Long before producers reportedly promised him a bigger role, one missing scene became the breaking point.

Harris recalled filming a sequence in which Everett chatted with Beth Dutton before Rip Wheeler called him onstage to perform.

“So there’s this scene in there… I’m talking to [Beth Dutton] at the bar, and [Rip Wheeler] comes in and says, ‘OK, Everett, come on, it’s your turn,’” he said during the Variety interview.

Viewers, however, never saw Everett sing. “I walk up to the mic, and they cut it. They cut the song out. I’m going, ‘F*ck you, people,’” Harris recalled.

Producers later told him the musical moment felt “too up” for the darker tone of the episode’s ending, but the explanation didn’t ease his frustration.

In fact, Harris admitted he came so close to walking away that he felt the decision alone was “enough reason to say I am voiding my contract.”

Harris Gets Another Vote Of Confidence From Kelly Reilly

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With “Dutton Ranch” already undergoing creative changes ahead of Season two, Kelly Reilly has offered the clearest picture yet of how those adjustments will play out on screen. 

Earlier this month, the actress revealed that viewers could expect far more from Ed Harris’ character, stressing that the series was never meant to revolve solely around Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. 

“I think Season 2 is going to feel very much more Ed’s show,” Reilly told TV Insider, before adding, “This is not the Beth and Rip show. This is Dutton Ranch, and there’s four lead characters, five.” 

She also credited Harris and Annette Bening with elevating the Paramount+ drama, saying, “They made us legit. We could have just been a little soapy spinoff, and we’re not because of them. We’re a drama, we’re a new show, and it’s got some heavyweights in it.” 

Reilly And Cole Hauser Always Believed Ed Harris Would Elevate ‘Dutton Ranch’

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A few months before Reilly promised that Season two would become “very much more Ed’s show,” she and Cole Hauser had already made it clear they viewed Harris as one of the key ingredients in “Dutton Ranch”’s success. 

Ahead of the spinoff’s premiere, the pair told PEOPLE they were “over the moon” to welcome Harris and Bening to the cast, with Reilly explaining they “needed some heavyweights alongside us to tell a new story” and were “deeply flattered” the Oscar nominees agreed to join the series. 

Hauser echoed that enthusiasm, calling the opportunity to work with Harris “a dream come true” and praising him as “just as good of a person as he is an actor.” 

Reilly later said Harris and Bening “made us legit,” adding that without them, “Dutton Ranch” “could have just been a little soapy spinoff,” but instead became “a drama… with some heavyweights in it.”