Henry Winkler Returns to NBC in Bold New Legal Comedy ‘Last Chance Lawyer’

In an exciting development for fans of sharp-witted television, legendary actor Henry Winkler is set to headline a fresh legal comedy series at NBC titled Last Chance Lawyer. The project, currently in development, marks Winkler’s triumphant return to the network where he once made memorable appearances, and it promises to blend courtroom drama with the kind of heartfelt humor that has defined his storied career.

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Winkler, now 80 and showing no signs of slowing down, will star as Howard Greenberg, a hard-driving, wildly unconventional criminal defense attorney based in Brooklyn. Greenberg is no typical suit-clad lawyer—he’s a fierce, round-the-clock advocate for society’s underdogs, the kind of clients everyone else has written off. His core belief? No matter how damning the accusations against his clients may seem, the real guilty party is almost always the flawed, corrupt system itself. This anti-establishment stance sets the stage for a series that flips traditional legal procedurals on their head, focusing on the little guys fighting against overwhelming odds rather than glossy corporate intrigue.

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The announcement came via an exclusive report from Deadline, which revealed that Winkler is not only starring but also serving as an executive producer. The script comes from writers Mike Gagerman and Andrew Waller, the creative duo behind the cult-favorite comedy Search Party. Their track record suggests Last Chance Lawyer will deliver smart, irreverent laughs alongside genuine emotional stakes—perfect for Winkler’s versatile talents.

Henry Winkler has enjoyed one of the most remarkable career resurgences in recent memory. After iconic roles like Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli on Happy Days—which earned him enduring pop-culture status—the actor reinvented himself in the critically acclaimed HBO series Barry.

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His portrayal of acting teacher Gene Cousineau earned him an Emmy Award and widespread praise for its depth and comedic timing.

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At an age when many performers step back, Winkler has repeatedly stated he has no plans to retire, calling the idea “deadly.” This new role seems tailor-made for his charm, warmth, and ability to make even the most outrageous characters feel authentic and relatable.

NBC’s push into legal comedy arrives at an opportune moment. The network recently wrapped the Night Court revival after three seasons, leaving room for a fresh take on courtroom antics. Last Chance Lawyer draws clear inspiration from shows like the recent Matlock reboot starring Kathy Bates on CBS, which has proven that audiences still crave clever, character-driven legal stories with a twist. Here, though, the focus shifts to gritty, blue-collar defense work in New York City, where Greenberg’s outrageous style—think wild grey hair, bold advocacy tactics, and a “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” mantra—could lead to hilarious clashes with prosecutors, judges, and even his own clients.

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Industry insiders see this as a smart bet on Winkler’s broad appeal. His post-Barry momentum, combined with NBC’s history of successful multi-camera and single-camera comedies, positions the series for strong potential pickup. While details on supporting cast, episode order, or premiere timeline remain under wraps (as it’s still in the early development phase), sources indicate NBC is eyeing a possible next-season launch, likely for 2026-2027.

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What makes Last Chance Lawyer particularly intriguing is its thematic edge. In an era of widespread distrust in institutions, Greenberg’s worldview—that the system itself is often the true villain—resonates deeply. Expect episodes filled with underdog triumphs, moral dilemmas, and laugh-out-loud moments as this Brooklyn legend takes on impossible cases with unshakeable conviction.

Winkler’s involvement extends beyond acting; his executive producer credit ensures he’ll have a hand in shaping the tone, much like his hands-on approach in previous projects. Fans are already buzzing online, with many drawing playful comparisons to his past lawyer roles (though this is no spin-off of Arrested Development‘s Barry Zuckerkorn). Instead, Howard Greenberg feels like a fresh creation: part crusader, part showman, all heart.

As Hollywood continues to lean on proven stars for reliable hits, Winkler’s star power—bolstered by his genuine likability and Emmy pedigree—could make Last Chance Lawyer NBC’s next breakout comedy. For now, viewers can only speculate on the wild courtroom battles ahead, but one thing is certain: with Henry Winkler at the helm, justice (and hilarity) will never be boring.