The cast of the upcoming NBC comedy series, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, is expanding with the addition of Megan Thee Stallion. The rapper will appear in a future episode of the show, which premiered after an NBC playoff game last month, according to reports.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins centers on the life of a disgraced NFL superstar, played by Tracy Morgan, who attempts a comeback after a gambling scandal derailed his career. Daniel Radcliffe portrays Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker tasked with documenting Reggie’s journey in hopes of restoring his reputation and ultimately securing a place in the Hall of Fame. The series also features Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall and Bobby Moynihan.
Megan Thee Stallion will play a divorced mother who enters into a romantic relationship with Radcliffe’s character, Arthur Tobin. The extent of her involvement, in terms of episode count, remains unclear. This role marks another venture into acting for the artist, who previously appeared in Dicks: The Musical, Good Girls, and P-Valley. She also served as both host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 2022.
The series is a reunion for Morgan, Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Sam Means, the creative team behind the acclaimed comedy 30 Rock. Carlock and Means co-created The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, with Fey serving as an executive producer. According to Carlock, the new series intentionally incorporates numerous references to 30 Rock, offering rewards for attentive viewers. He described it as “the Severance of comedy,” hinting at a layered viewing experience.
Radcliffe, who grew up watching 30 Rock, noted that he observed these references throughout filming, embedded in the dialogue and set design. The creative team anticipates that viewers, particularly those on TikTok, will enjoy discovering these Easter eggs.
Beyond her acting pursuits, Megan Thee Stallion has maintained a busy music career. In 2024, she embarked on the Hot Girl Summer tour, performing in arenas across Europe and North America in support of her album, Megan.
Recently, on , Megan Thee Stallion achieved a legal victory in a defamation case against blogger Milagro Gramz. The court awarded her $59,000 after finding Gramz liable for spreading deepfake pornographic videos featuring the artist. Megan’s lawyer, Mari Henderson, emphasized the importance of the verdict in reinforcing accountability for misinformation shared on social media. Henderson stated that the ruling sends “a clear message that spreading dangerous misinformation carries significant consequences.” Florida’s fee-shifting legal provision will also require Gramz to cover Megan’s legal bills related to the deepfake claim.
The series itself is rooted in the story of a former NFL player who bet on his own team’s games, a scandal that led to a lifetime ban from the league. Reggie Dinkins, played by Morgan, hopes a documentary, helmed by Radcliffe’s character, will help rehabilitate his image and pave the way for a potential Hall of Fame induction. The premise allows for exploration of themes of redemption, accountability, and the complexities of public perception.
The involvement of Fey, Carlock, and Means suggests a similar comedic sensibility to 30 Rock, known for its meta-humor, fast-paced dialogue, and satirical take on the entertainment industry. The addition of Megan Thee Stallion adds another layer of cultural relevance to the project, bringing in a contemporary musical artist with a significant following.
As of today, , NBC has not announced a specific airdate for the episodes featuring Megan Thee Stallion, but the series is currently airing on the network.
