Amy Poehler Returns to Television With New Series 'Dig'
The comedy star reunites with Mike Schur for a mystery set in Greece.
1Return to Television Roots
Amy Poehler is returning to television after a decade-long hiatus since Parks and Recreation concluded in 2015. While she has remained active in podcasting and animated films like Inside Out 2, this new project marks her first major scripted series return, reuniting her with creator Mike Schur for a fresh creative endeavor.
2Plot and Premise Details
The series, titled Dig, follows a group of archaeologists and college students working at a site in Greece. Their summer takes a dark turn when they discover a rare artifact that could rewrite history, subsequently entangling the group in a dangerous international conspiracy that drives the show's ten-episode puzzle box mystery narrative.
3Adapting Bestselling Source Material
Poehler brought the idea to adapt Kate Myers’ bestselling novel Excavations to Mike Schur. The production features a notable ensemble cast including Hugh Laurie, Geraldine Viswanathan, Antonia Thomas, and Fina Strazza. Poehler specifically sought out Laurie to portray the site leader, noting the story provided excellent character opportunities for the female leads.
4Shift in Tonal Direction
While the show shares the collaborative spirit of Parks and Recreation, Poehler emphasizes that Dig is tonally distinct. It functions as a tight, ten-episode mystery rather than a traditional workplace comedy. The narrative structure is designed to encourage binge-watching, as each episode is crafted to leave viewers eager for the next installment.
5Collaborative Creative Vision
Mike Schur and J.J. Philbin serve as the showrunners for the project. Despite the genre shift, the team aimed to recapture the positive, collaborative atmosphere of their previous work. Philbin noted that the core similarity lies in the characters being good people who genuinely care about their work and each other.
6The North Star Vibe
The creative team identified the feeling of pure enjoyment as their primary goal for the audience. They wanted viewers to feel that the show is genuinely fun to watch, using the positive energy of their past collaboration as a guiding principle. This vibe remains central to the show's identity despite the mystery elements.
7Evolution of Television Production
Poehler noted that the television landscape has changed significantly since she last led a series over ten years ago. She spent time carefully selecting the right project to mark her return, emphasizing that she was waiting for the right creative opportunity to align with her vision before committing to a new show.
8Future of the Series
As the series moves toward its release, the focus remains on the tight narrative arc of the ten-episode season. By blending archaeological discovery with high-stakes international intrigue, the production aims to balance character-driven comedy with the tension of a thriller, marking a significant departure from Poehler's previous long-running sitcom success.
Original article: The Hollywood Reporter — Amy Poehler Returns to Television With New Series 'Dig'