Damon Wayans Jr. cast in pilot for new NBC drama Puzzled

Damon Wayans Jr. (Poppa's House) will star in the NBC drama pilot Puzzled.Damon Wayans Jr. is once again a big name that the network NBC has attracted in a short time for a new project. Earlier, it was announced that David Boreanaz would star in a reboot of The Rockford Files.

Damon Wayans Jr.

Puzzled is based on the Puzzle Master book series by Danielle Trussoni and revolves around Mike Brink, a former college athlete who suffered a traumatic brain injury. As a result, he developed the so-called acquired savant syndrome, which gave him exceptional skills in puzzles, higher mathematics, and pattern recognition.

Initially, Mike earns his money with sports betting, but in the series, he will use his special talents to help the police solve complex crime cases. The pilot script is being written by Joey Falco.

Wayans can currently be seen in a recurring role in the Apple TV series Shrinking. He also recently starred alongside his father, Damon Wayans, in the CBS comedy series Poppa's House. Earlier television projects include the CBS All Access series The Twilight Zone (2019), the limited Epix series The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, and the ABC comedy series Happy Endings.

With Puzzled, Wayans joins a series of prominent names that NBC has secured for the current pilot season. The network has ordered eight pilots this year—five dramas and three comedies—a clear increase compared to the three projects in the 2025 development cycle.

In addition to Wayans and Boreanaz, Jane Lynch and Katey Sagal have also been cast in a yet-untitled comedy pilot from creator Kari Lizer, while Téa Leoni will star in Newlyweds from Gail Lerner.