Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk’s TV comeback lands new look as title changed

Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk’s upcoming TV show has been given a new title.

Originally titled Straight Man, the new series, which is being produced by AMC, has been renamed Lucky Hank (via TV Line) ahead of its premiere this spring.

Described as a “mid-life crisis tale” that takes place at a fictional university in Pennsylvania, the series is based on Straight Man, a novel by Richard Russo.

Odenkirk will play William Henry ‘Hank’ Devereaux Jr, the chairman of the English department.

Related: Better Call Saul star shares new spinoff hopes

The eight-episode season, which has been written by Aaron Zelman and Paul Lieberstein, also stars Mireille Enos as Hank’s wife, who “begins to question the path she’s on and the choices she’s made”.

Other cast members include Diedrich Bader, Cedric Yarbrough and Suzanne Cryer.

Upon the show’s announcement in April, Odenkirk, who also starred in the action-thriller Nobody, said: “I am thrilled that AMC is embracing the unique scenario and characters in Paul and Aaron’s adaptation.

“I have loved the mix of comedy and drama in Better Call Saul, and this is another story with a unique dynamic – the kind of closely observed character writing and exploration that AMC has become the touchstone for. It’s going to be fun to play and watch.”

Related: Bob Odenkirk reunites with Better Call Saul co-stars on new movie

Odenkirk recently finished his stint as Saul Goodman, the character he first played in Breaking Bad, with the sixth and final season of Better Call Saul airing last year.

After shooting was completed, the actor thanked his co-stars and the crew for their work, writing: “I want to thank [the show’s creators] Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould for giving me the chance.

“I did nothing to deserve this part, but I hope I earned it over six seasons.”

Lucky Hank, based on Richard Russo’s novel Straight Man, is due to premiere in spring 2023 on AMC.