by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
I already knew I was going to watch this the moment I saw Daniel Radcliffe and Tracy Morgan attached. Add Erika Alexander and Bobby Moynihan to the mix? I was seated immediately — and thankfully, the show didn’t disappoint.
The 10-episode freshman season follows former football star Reggie Dinkins (Morgan), whose career imploded after a gambling scandal. Now, years removed from his prime, Reggie is desperate to repair his image and make one last push toward Hall of Fame recognition. His plan? Hire an offbeat filmmaker, Arthur Tobin (Radcliffe), to document his “redemption” story. Alongside them is Reggie’s manager and ex-wife Monica (Alexander), his loyal but slightly clueless best friend Rusty (Moynihan), his son Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), and his fiancée Brina (Precious Way). What starts as a transactional partnership between Reggie and Arthur slowly turns into something more layered, as both men realize they’re chasing second chances in their own ways.
The show’s 30-minute runtime works in its favor — every episode flies by — though sometimes a little too quickly. Just when you’re fully locked into a storyline, it’s already wrapping up. Still, it makes for an easy binge, and the pacing keeps things lively. The humor lands consistently, balancing absurdity with genuine heart, which is where the show really shines.
One of the biggest strengths is the ensemble. Tracy Morgan feels completely at home here — this role is tailor-made for him, with shades of his past work but enough freshness to make it feel new. Bobby Moynihan is a standout as Rusty, delivering some of the funniest moments in the series, especially with his lovable, dim-witted energy and recurring catchphrases. And Daniel Radcliffe continues his post-Harry Potter streak of picking wild, offbeat roles — and absolutely thriving in them. Episodes five and seven, in particular, really highlight how well he fits into this chaotic, comedic world.
The guest appearances are also a highlight. Corbin Bernsen and Craig Robinson add solid comedic support, but Megan Thee Stallion nearly steals the show in her two-episode arc as Arthur’s love interest. She’s magnetic every time she appears, and honestly, I wish we got more of her — two episodes just wasn’t enough.
What makes Reggie Dinkins work is that it doesn’t rely on a laugh track or forced punchlines. It trusts its cast and writing to carry the humor, which gives the show a more natural and grounded feel compared to some of Morgan’s previous work. There’s even a bit of 30 Rock DNA in here — chaotic, character-driven, and just the right amount of ridiculous.
For a freshman season, it’s impressively consistent and shows real potential to grow into something even better. Comedy series don’t always hit their stride right away, but Reggie Dinkins comes out the gate strong and doesn’t really let up.
With the way the finale sets things up, it’s clear this story is just getting started. Hopefully it gets the chance to continue — because this is one series that deserves a second season to really find its legs and run with it.
Rating: Loved It
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is currently streaming on Peacock.
You can read more from Chantal Ashford, and follow her on Letterboxd