Langston Kerman Joins NBC Comedy Pilot Alongside Jake Johnson and Keith David
Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieAcclaimed novelist ("Americanah") whose essays and talks offer sharp critiques of culture and feminism.
Langston Kerman has officially joined the cast of an upcoming NBC comedy pilot, written by the creative duo Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici. This new role sees Kerman stepping into the shoes of Justin Royal, a character described as a warm and affable private investigator.
In this much-anticipated series, Justin Royal operates within a detective agency alongside his father, Julius Royal, a seasoned and somewhat old-fashioned figure portrayed by the esteemed Keith David. Their team is further complemented by Mickey, a sharp yet heartbroken investigator brought to life by Jake Johnson. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the pilot is set to continue the legacy of classic Los Angeles private eye stories. The ensemble also includes Jane Levy as Faye, a brilliant investigative journalist, and Mary Shalaby as Raya, a notably disengaged receptionist.
Kerman's impressive career prior to this pilot includes notable appearances in HBO's 'Insecure,' ABC's 'Bless This Mess' and 'Abbott Elementary,' Amazon Prime Video's 'The Boys,' Hulu's 'The Other Black Girl,' and FX's 'English Teacher.' Beyond acting, Kerman has showcased his writing talents as head writer for 'Pause With Sam Jay' on HBO and as a writer for 'Everybody's Live With John Mulaney.' His stand-up special, 'Bad Poetry,' directed by Mulaney, premiered on Netflix in 2025. Upcoming projects for Kerman include roles in the film 'Cut Off,' starring Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig, and Amazon's 'Barbershop' series. The pilot is executive produced by Goor and Del Tredici, with Akiva Schaffer directing and also serving as an executive producer, and Universal Television as the studio.
The integration of Kerman's diverse talents into this new NBC comedy pilot highlights the dynamic evolution of television, where nuanced storytelling and compelling characters drive engaging narratives. This project underscores the power of collaborative artistry in bringing fresh and entertaining content to audiences, promising a blend of humor and intriguing mystery that is sure to captivate viewers and offer a refreshing take on the detective genre.

