Who says a murder mystery can't be funny? The perfect way to balance out dark and twisty true-crime thrillers is Apple TV+'s new comedy The Afterparty, which puts a humorous spin on the classic genre. The eight-episode season follows the fallout of a shocking murder at a high school reunion told from the rotating perspectives of the characters in attendance (who are all prime suspects). Of course, there will be plenty of twists (both dramatic and funny) along the way. One peek at the cast alone is enough to intrigue any comedy fan, since some of your favorite funny folks are taking on roles in this mysterious group of former classmates. Ahead of the show's Jan. 28 premiere, meet the cast of Apple TV+'s The Afterparty.
Haddish will play Detective Danner, a somewhat eccentric detective assigned to solve the bizarre murder case at a high school reunion. Haddish is, of course, a major star in the comedy world. Her biggest credits include The Carmichael Show, Girls Trip, Saturday Night Live (she won an Emmy for her iconic guest appearance), and Tuca & Bertie. She's also one of just two Black women, after Whoopi Goldberg, to win a Grammy for best comedy album.
Richardson's character, Aniq, is a sweet escape room designer who attends his high school reunion in hopes of reconnecting with his high school crush. You might recognize Richardson from one of his many TV and film roles over the past several years, including Veep and Detroiters, or his voice work in Star Trek: Lower Decks, BoJack Horseman, and others. He recently had an arc on Ted Lasso and is set to appear in Hocus Pocus 2.
Glazer's character, Chelsea, is a former valedictorian and class president. Glazer is best known for her work creating and starring in Broad City.
Chao plays Zoe, a former artist who works in school administration and recently split up with her high school sweetheart. Her best-known projects are the dramedy Strangers and, more recently, the rom-com anthology Love Life.
Schwartz is playing Yasper, Aniq's upbeat best friend who hopes to make it big in the music industry. While he has plenty of experience in front of the camera, many of Schwartz's most notable roles have been in voice acting. He voices the main character in Sonic the Hedgehog and has voiced main roles in M.O.D.O.K., Fairfax, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales, and many others.
Franco's character, Xavier, is living every high school theater kid's dream: once a drama club geek, he's now a huge star. Over the years, Franco has had roles in several different genres, from comedies like 21 Jump Street and The Disaster Artist to action and thriller roles in Now You See Me and 6 Underground.
Demetriou plays Walt, a graduating class member who didn't leave a big impression and plans to attend the reunion in hopes that someone will remember him. He's been in memorable comedies like Fleabag, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and The Great. He also recently had a supporting role in the Disney prequel Cruella.
Barinholtz plays Brett, an arrogant ex-athlete who also happens to be Zoe's ex. His comedy career spans several beloved TV shows, including MADtv, The Mindy Project, and Bless the Harts. He's also appeared in many movies, such as Blockers, Neighbors, Moxie, and The Oath (alongside Haddish). He works as a writer and producer as well as an actor.
Early plays Detective Cusp, the partner of Haddish's Detective Danner and an overly eager would-be crime-solver. The comedian has appeared in several comedy shows and movies over the past decade. Still, he's best known for the dark satire/comedy Search Party and the animated show Tuca & Bertie.