NBC’s Native American Community Center Comedy Pilot Casts Jana Schmieding, Bobby Wilson, Wes Studi, Rachel Dratch (EXCLUSIVE)

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The initial four actors for NBC’s comedic series, which takes place at a Native American community center in Oakland, have been confirmed.

It’s been confirmed that actors Jana Schmieding, Bobby Wilson, Wes Studi, and Rachel Dratch are set to appear in an upcoming single-camera comedy. Previous reports have indicated that Wilson will not only act in the show but also contribute as a writer and executive producer.

Previously, EbMaster was the first to announce the pilot pickup in March. The official description for this project reveals it as an “Ensemble comedy based at a Native community center in Oakland, California. With the constant struggle of keeping the facility operational, these employees strive to uplift those in distress.

The pilot is crafted by writers Sierra Teller Ornelas, Jackie Keliiaa, and Wilson. These three individuals additionally serve as executive producers, with Sierra Teller Ornelas taking on the role of showrunner. Morgan Sackett will also join them in their executive producer duties. Universal Television, a company where both Teller Ornelas and Sackett have overall deals, is the production studio.

Schmieding takes on the role of Josie Two-Shoes, a self-motivated and academically accomplished individual. After being appointed as the head of the local community center, she is eager to leave an impact.

Schmieding is rejoining the creative team behind the show, having been the main cast member in the Peacock comedy “Rutherford Falls” before. Teller Ornelas, who co-created that series and served as its showrunner, and Sackett, an executive producer, are part of this team, while Wilson, who was a writer for the series and played casino employee Wayne onscreen, is also involved. In addition to “Rutherford Falls”, Schmieding has appeared in other TV shows such as “Reservation Dogs” and “The Great North.

She is repped by CAA and 3 Arts.

Wilson is set to portray Bobby Renville, known for growing up mostly within the community, who enjoys causing trouble but swiftly exits when things escalate too much. Previously, Wilson has been involved in acting, scriptwriting, and production for “Reservation Dogs”, a series that concluded after completing three seasons in 2023. Apart from this, he has also contributed to the Marvel series “Echo” and made an appearance on the successful FX series “What We Do in the Shadows”. Wilson is one of the original members of the Native comedy troupe The 1491s.

He is repped by IAG, Artillery Creative, and Hirsch Wallerstein.

Studi has been cast to portray Frank Henry Jr., a cherished yet straightforward senior figure who manages all the assistance programs at the center. Studi, an accomplished actor with a career extending over five decades, is renowned for his remarkable performances in films like “Dances With Wolves,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat,” “Skinwalkers,” “The New World” and numerous others. Additionally, he has made appearances as the character Bucky in several episodes of “Reservation Dogs.

He is repped by Innovative and Michael Black Management, Inc.

Dratch is set to portray Cheryl, who is known within the community center as a lively and quirky member of staff that adds a touch of charm to her role. Over the years, Dratch has been a familiar face on NBC, starting with her seven-year stint on “Saturday Night Live.” Additionally, she has made appearances in various NBC series such as “30 Rock,” “Parks and Recreation,” and the latest one, “Mr. Mayor.” Furthermore, her talents can also be seen in other shows like “King of Queens,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and “Inside Amy Schumer.

She is repped by Untitled Entertainment and Peikoff Mahan.

Beyond the Teller Ornelas-Keliiaa-Wilson pilot, NBC is developing another comedy series titled “Stumble”. Notably, NBC has chosen to air “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” during the 2025-2026 television season. Previously, NBC renewed the comedies “St. Denis Medical” and “Happy’s Place”, while unfortunately, both “Night Court” and “Lopez vs. Lopez” have been terminated.

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2025-06-03 01:18