A New Chapter for Colin Jost
Colin Jost, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), is stepping into a new and unexpected role. He is currently in development on a Peacock drama series that will see him portray Larry Lavin, a real-life Ivy League dentist who led one of the largest cocaine trafficking operations on the East Coast. This project marks a significant shift for Jost, as it is his first major foray into dramatic television.
The Story Behind the Series
The series is based on the first season of the Audacy true crime podcast “Wolves Among Us.” The official description of the show does not shy away from the shocking nature of Lavin’s story. It states:
“By day, Larry Lavin was a respected Ivy League dentist and family man, by night, the East Coast’s most elusive cocaine kingpin. This series is inspired by the shocking and absurd true story of the suburban dentist who built a drug empire behind the facade of the American dream.”
Lavin’s criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to a 22-year prison sentence for drug-related charges and an additional 20 years for tax evasion in 1986.
The Creative Team Behind the Project
Alex Barnow, who previously served as the writer and showrunner for “The Goldbergs,” is set to write and lead the series. Jost will executive produce through his No Notes Productions banner, which has an overall deal at Universal Television.
Interestingly, the real-life Larry Lavin is also attached as a co-executive producer, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the project. This unusual collaboration makes the series even more intriguing and unconventional.
Development Status and Potential Challenges
At this stage, the project is still in development and has not yet received a full series order. However, if it does get picked up, Jost would not be the first SNL cast member to successfully balance his SNL duties with a separate television project.
Kenan Thompson managed to juggle his SNL responsibilities with his NBC sitcom, while Aidy Bryant and Cecily Strong also took on roles in their respective shows, “Shrill” and “Schmigadoon.” This history suggests that Jost’s ability to manage both “Weekend Update” and the Peacock drama is not entirely uncharted territory.
Future Prospects
As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Jost balances his comedic roots with this dramatic turn. The potential for a “Breaking Bad”-style transformation is certainly there, and fans are eager to see what this new venture will bring.
Other Notable News
In other news, Harry Styles made a surprise appearance during Ryan Gosling’s monologue on SNL, creating a memorable moment for viewers. Additionally, Timothée Chalamet shared some surprising revelations about his time on SNL, adding to the excitement surrounding the show’s latest developments.
This mix of comedy and drama highlights the dynamic nature of SNL and its ability to attract a wide range of talent. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these stories unfold.
