It’s no secret that Chuck Lorre is one of the most recognizable names in the TV production industry. As an established director, writer, and producer, he has had a slew of successful shows in his more than 30 years in the business.
If you’re still unaware, here are just some of the shows he’s worked on: Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and Young Sheldon – to name a few.
Well, Lorre is adding yet another notch on his belt of productions with a new multi-camera comedy with CBS: United States of Al.
Just this November 2020, the network issued a series order for the show, a year after it was first announced to be in development.
This new series marks Lorre’s fifth that is currently on-air with CBS (joining Young Sheldon, Mom, Bob Hearts Abishola, and B Positive), and his sixth overall including Netflix’s The Kominsky Method.
Ahead of its April 1st premiere, here’s what we know so far about CBS’ United States of Al!
Who’s behind the project?
Apart from Lorre, United States of Al is also reported to be created and written by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari – both of whom were also part of the writing team with Lorre on The Big Bang Theory.
Lorre, Goetsch, and Ferrari are also slated to executive produce alongside Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi, under the Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions banners.
What’s United States of Al about?
The first main character in the series is Riley, a former Marine combat veteran who has come back home to Ohio to live with his veteran father and his sister, and who is still trying to readjust to civilian life.
United States of Al focuses on his friendship with Awalmir (or the eponymous Al) – the co-lead character in the show – who was the Interpreter with Riley’s unit when he served in Afghanistan. Al has just arrived in America to start a new life, and his journey is helped along by Riley and his family.
According to the CBS Entertainment EVP for Programming Thom Sherman, United States of Al is a “heartfelt and touching comedy that honestly and respectfully reflects the experiences and challenges our veterans deal with upon returning home and the deep bonds they develop with those serving alongside them.”
It will also be a look into “American culture through the eyes of an immigrant who is experiencing it all for the very first time.”
Who will star in United States of Al?
Parker Young (who played Richard in Imposters) is set to play Riley. While South African actor Adhir Kalyan (who you might recognize from Rules of Engagement) will be playing Al himself.
Co-starring alongside them are Dean Norris, whose current TNT dramedy Claws is coming to an end and who will be playing Riley’s veteran father Art.
As well as Kelli Goss (The Ranch) as Vanessa, Riley’s soon-to-be-ex-wife, and the mother of their young daughter. Farrah Mackenzie as Riley and Vanessa’s daughter Hazel. And Elizabeth Alderfer (Disjointed) as Lizzie, Riley’s younger sister who lost her fiance in the line of duty.
United States of Al is slated to premiere on Thursday, April 1st.
After 23 years of my career in Hollywood as an afghan actor finally I see a good funny tv show by afghan character ,I don’t care who got the job, a good actor should play any characters doesn’t matter where they came from ,all I care, we’re not playing bad guy thank you Reza