Henry Winkler is 80 years old. Most people his age are busy figuring out how to use the "do not disturb" feature on their iPhone or arguing about the temperature of the local pool. Not Winkler. He just signed on to headline a brand-new half-hour comedy for NBC called Last Chance Lawyer.
Honestly, it's a bit of a flex.
After winning an Emmy for his role as the narcissistic acting coach Gene Cousineau in HBO’s Barry, you’d think the man would just go fly-fishing and call it a day. But no, he’s jumping back into the network TV grind. This isn't just some guest spot, either. He's playing the lead, Howard Greenberg, and he’s executive producing the thing too.
Why Last Chance Lawyer Is Getting Buzz
The premise sounds like a classic legal comedy with a messy, modern edge. Winkler's character, Howard Greenberg, is described as an unconventional and "hard-driving" criminal defense attorney. He isn't exactly Perry Mason. He’s the guy who takes the cases no one else wants, operating on the belief that the "system" is usually guiltier than the person standing in the dock.
It's a "Saul Goodman meets the Fonz" vibe, maybe? We’ll see.
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The show comes from the brains of Mike Gagerman and Andrew Waller. If those names ring a bell, it’s because they were the writing team behind the cult comedy Search Party. They’re working alongside Jed Mercurio—the guy who gave us the high-tension Line of Duty—and Jimmy Mulville from Hat Trick Media.
Universal Television is the studio backing the project. This feels like a strategic move for NBC. They recently wrapped up their Night Court revival after three seasons, leaving a giant, gavel-shaped hole in their schedule. A new TV show with Henry Winkler is basically the safest bet you can make in television right now. The man is a walking charm offensive.
The Winkler Renaissance Is Very Real
If you’ve been paying attention, you know Winkler hasn’t actually been away. He’s been everywhere. He recently popped up in Apple TV’s Loot with Maya Rudolph. He’s also hosting Hazardous History with Henry Winkler over on the History Channel—a series where he basically walks through the reckless and dangerous things Americans used to do for fun, like playing with radioactive toys or sliding down metal slides that would literally rip your skin off.
He’s also got a film called Normal with Bob Odenkirk in the works.
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On a recent podcast with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Winkler was pretty blunt about the retirement question. He called the idea "deadly." He told them he’ll retire when he’s physically unable to act anymore. It’s that old-school work ethic that makes him so reliable for a network like NBC. He’s not there to collect a paycheck; he’s there because he genuinely loves the craft of being a character actor.
What to Expect From Howard Greenberg
People are already drawing comparisons between Howard Greenberg and Winkler’s previous legal role: Barry Zuckerkorn from Arrested Development. But let's be real—Zuckerkorn was a disaster. He was the guy who didn't know how to use a computer and once tried to find "The Blue Man Group" in the yellow pages.
Howard Greenberg sounds smarter. He sounds like he actually cares about his clients, even if his methods involve a lot of yelling and unconventional legal loopholes. It’s a return to form for Winkler, who has always excelled at playing men who are slightly fraying at the edges but still fundamentally human.
The industry is watching this one closely. Network TV has been struggling to find hits that don’t involve first responders or medical emergencies. A character-driven comedy led by a legend might be exactly what NBC needs to prove that the 30-minute sitcom isn't dead yet.
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Key Takeaways and What’s Next
If you’re a fan of the Fonz or Gene Cousineau, there are a few things you should keep on your radar for 2026:
- Production Status: Last Chance Lawyer is currently in active development at NBC. Expect casting announcements for the supporting ensemble to trickle out over the next few months.
- Catch the Hostings: Check out Hazardous History on the History Channel if you want to see Winkler’s documentary side. It’s nostalgic and slightly terrifying.
- The Big Screen: Keep an eye out for his upcoming films Normal and Rolling Loud.
- Jewish Representation: Sources like Kveller have noted that Winkler’s role as Howard Greenberg is expected to be a significant addition to Jewish representation on primetime, following his recent work in the Israeli series Chanshi.
Don't expect a release date for Last Chance Lawyer just yet. These things take time to move from development to a pilot and then to a series order. However, given Winkler’s track record and the pedigree of the writers involved, this is likely to be a cornerstone of NBC’s 2026-2027 fall lineup.
Keep an eye on the official NBC press releases for a first-look trailer, which usually drops during the upfronts. If you haven't seen his Emmy-winning turn in Barry yet, now is the time to binge it so you can see why everyone is so excited to have him back in a lead role.