Erika Alexander‘s Emmys chances are rising with “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.”
Variety has learned that veteran comedian Tracy Morgan, who plays the title character — a former football star trying to get his life back on track — will be the sole submission in the lead acting categories. Alexander, who plays Monica, Reggie’s quick-witted, no-nonsense ex-wife and agent, will be submitted for supporting comedy actress race, a move that raises her chances significantly for her long overdue Television Academy recognition. Her co-star Precious Way joins her in the same category, while Daniel Radcliffe, Jalyn Hall, and Bobby Moynihan are up for supporting actor. Additional category submissions will announce at a later date.
The NBC new mockumentary has been building serious Emmys noise so far. The series hit NBC in Jan. as a midseason entry, and its 10-episode first season wraps on April 13, building a massive audience along the way, and making the case as a dark horse to be recognized for outstanding comedy series. Think of it as NBC’s answer to “Abbott Elementary,” a comedy with heart, chaos, and a cast that makes you laugh and root for them at the same time.
For Alexander, this is a long-overdue moment. She first became a household name for playing Maxine Shaw on the beloved sitcom “Living Single,” a role (and show) that shaped a generation of Black television comedy. Despite the show’s popularity, she never received Emmy recognition. Afterward, she’s quietly built an impressive career across comedy and drama genres. Her recent work includes the Oscar-winning “American Fiction” (2023), which earned a best picture nomination, and Apple TV’s “Invasion,” where she’s also on the ballot for supporting drama actress.
In “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” Alexander mixes her signature sharp humor with an aching depth, holding her own alongside a large ensemble of characters, especially the unpredictable Reggie. Her work has that perfect balance of comedy and heart, which is the kind that often earns Emmy attention (think Julie Bowen for “Modern Family”).
Morgan, meanwhile, is no stranger to the Emmys himself, with two nominations under his belt: supporting comedy actor for “30 Rock” in 2009, and guest comedy actor for hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2016. The rest of the cast are worthy, and could be viable contenders in their own right, if the show continues to pick up steam.
Created by Robert Carlock and Sam Means, best known for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” could be one of NBC’s standout comedies this year, with Erika Alexander finally getting her moment in the spotlight, and perhaps the show cracking the top lineup, too.
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