Rhys Darby Set to Lead CBS Pilot 'Regency' in Genre-Bending Sitcom About a Cheese Empire

Deadline · 2026-02-10
Rhys Darby Set to Lead CBS Pilot 'Regency' in Genre-Bending Sitcom About a Cheese Empire

New Zealand comedic star Rhys Darby, widely recognized for his acclaimed performance in 'Our Flag Means Death,' has been cast as the lead in the new CBS and Warner Bros. pilot, 'Regency.' Created by Tara Hernandez, the writer behind 'Mrs. Davis' and 'The Big Bang Theory,' the series promises a unique historical spin on the traditional multi-camera family sitcom. The show focuses on an eccentric family operating a massive, multi-generational cheese empire, blending period aesthetics with modern, high-energy comedy. This ambitious project, currently in development for the 2026/2027 broadcast season, marks a significant return to network television for Darby. Industry analysts are closely monitoring the production, noting that the combination of Hernandez's sharp, high-concept writing and Darby’s established comedic versatility could provide a necessary revitalization for the multi-cam format. As the pilot progresses through the development stage, the series is positioned as a potential cornerstone of CBS's future programming strategy, signaling a continued commitment to high-profile, character-driven narrative comedy.