Zooey Deschanel is joining “Physical” Season 3 on Apple TV+, marking a new addition to the 1980s San Diego-set half-hour comedy about a housewife named Sheila (Rose Byrne) who discovers empowerment via aerobics. The “New Girl” star will portray Kelly, a network sitcom star who ventures into the burgeoning fitness industry.
Executive produced by Byrne and loosely inspired by creator, writer, showrunner and EP Annie Weisman’s real life, “Physical” follows Sheila, a stifled homemaker who seemingly supports her controversial husband’s (Rory Scovel) bid for state assembly, but privately has her own ambitions. While battling personal demons and low self-esteem, she stumbles upon the world of aerobics. In Season 2, Sheila successfully launches her first workout video, only to encounter new obstacles, including being torn between her husband and a new love interest, as well as facing fierce competition on the road to building a fitness empire.
The second season of the series, which finished airing in August, also added Emmy winner Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”) to the ensemble cast, which features Dierde Friel and Paul Sparks.
Deschanel is an Emmy and Grammy-nominated actress and singer, best known for her portrayal as the quirky school teacher Jess in Fox’s “New Girl.” She has also starred in rom-com “Yes Man,” opposite Jim Carrey, the Christmas classic “Elf,” “Almost Famous” and “500 Days of Summer.” Deschanel was also in the biopic “Dreamin’ Wild,” about the pop-funk Emerson family, which premieres at the Venice Film Festival this year. She’ll also be in Sony’s live-action adaptation “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” Deschanel’s band, She & Him, has released seven albums.
“Physical” is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partnership). The show is directed by Stephanie Laing, who also serves as executive producer along with Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements for Tomorrow Studios and Craig Gillespie. Alissa Bachner serves as co-executive producer.
Deschanel is repped by CAA, Management 360 and attorney Steve Warren.
