Tony-winning Broadway sweetheart Ben Platt (“Dear Evan Hanson,” “Pitch Perfect”) is set to star in the new Ryan Murphy musical comedy series “The Politician” for Netflix, TheWrap has learned.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbra Streisand are in talks to co-star.
Netflix picked up the series for two seasons, from creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan.
A rep for Murphy confirmed the project is moving forward; Netflix declined to comment.
Murphy will direct the pilot episode, and if Streisand and Paltrow close their deals, Streisand will likely end up directing some episodes as well, according to reports. Paltrow and Streisand will also produce, along with Platt.
Though details of the show’s plot haven’t yet been announced, what we know so far is that the comedy will revolve around Payton, played by Platt, a well-off politician in Santa Barbara, California. Platt will get to showcase his Broadway chops with musical numbers throughout the show.
Netflix beat out other streaming giants Amazon and Hulu for the series, which comes from Fox 21 TV Studios as part of Murphy’s overall deal at 20th Century Fox TV.
Deadline first reported the news.