AMC Networks has revealed that its upcoming series, titled initially Straight Man, based on the 1997 novel of the same name by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo, will now be called Lucky Hank. The series is set to premiere in the spring of 2023 and will star Bob Odenkirk in the lead role. In addition to the name change, the network released the first images featuring Odenkirk and the rest of the cast.
Lucky Hank stars Bob Odenkirk as William Henry Devereaux Jr., whose story is told in the first person. The series follows Devereaux, a mid-life crisis-stricken chairman of the English department at a poorly funded college in Pennsylvania, as he tries to keep his home life together and the college afloat. Mireille Enos will play Devereaux’s wife, Lily. The series is set to focus on how Devereaux’s life unravels and Lily begins to question her own path and choices.
Lucky Hank marks Bob Odenkirk’s third series with AMC, following his successful portrayal of the lead role in Better Call Saul and his earlier role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Odenkirk received critical acclaim and five Emmy nominations for his role in Better Call Saul. AMC is excited to continue working with Odenkirk, with Dan McDermott, President of entertainment for AMC Networks, stating last April when the series was ordered, “Bob Odenkirk is just as good as it gets. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to develop a new show that will keep Bob Odenkirk at AMC after his successful roles in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, two highly popular series.
Aaron Zelman and Paul Lieberstein will serve as co-showrunners for Lucky Hank, with Mark Johnson, Marc Provissiero, and Odenkirk’s wife, Naomi Odenkirk, producing alongside Russo and Odenkirk. Peter Farrelly will also produce and direct the series. In addition to Odenkirk and Enos, the cast of Lucky Hank includes Olivia Scott Welch, Diedrich Bader, Sara Amini, Cedric Yarbrough, and Suzanne Cryer. The series is set to premiere on AMC and AMC+ in spring 2023. See additional images below:
