Brian d'Arcy James to Star in New TV Pilot Inspired by Tracy Letts' Superior Donuts

Something Rotten! star Brian d'Arcy James has landed a role in the pilot of a new CBS sitcom inspired by Tracy Letts' 2009 Broadway play Superior Donuts.

James will play Arthur, the gruff proprietor of a donut shop in a gentrifying Chicago neighborhood. The role was originated onstage by Michael McKean. James' screen credits also include Smash (as the estranged husband of Debra Messing's character, Julia) as well as the 2016 Oscar-winning Best Picture Spotlight.

The prospective series will also star Jermaine Fowler as Franco, Arthur's young new employee, and Maz Jobrani as a businessman who wants to buy the donut shop. Neil Goldman, Garrett Donovan, and Bob Daily penned the pilot. Legendary television director James Burrows will direct.