William H. Macy offered a rare glimpse into the highly anticipated NFL drama series on Hulu during a red carpet interview at the Critics Choice Awards on January 4, 2026. The actor, known for his roles in films like Fargo and TV hits such as Shameless, confirmed the show's title as The Land and revealed its setting centered around a football team nominally based on the Cleveland Browns. Macy, who plays the team owner Hank, described the scripts as "brilliant" and "Shakespearean," emphasizing their profound plots that extend far beyond the gridiron.
The series, created and written by Dan Fogelman—best known for crafting emotional family sagas in shows like This Is Us—promises a blend of sports drama and generational storytelling. Set inside the high-stakes world of the National Football League, The Land draws its name from the affectionate nickname Cleveland residents use for their city, highlighting the show's deep ties to the Rust Belt locale. Macy's comments came as he promoted his latest film, Train Dreams, co-starring Joel Edgerton, but the buzz quickly shifted to the Hulu project, which has been kept under wraps in true Fogelman fashion.
Initially playful in his response, Macy quipped to Deadline's Antonia Blyth, "I could tell you but I’d have to kill you," before opening up about the production. He elaborated, "It’s about a football team, nominally the Cleveland Browns. It’s called The Land because that’s what people from Cleveland call it. I play the owner of the team." This confirmation aligns with long-standing rumors in Hollywood circles about Fogelman's pivot to professional football narratives following his success with heartfelt, multi-generational tales.
The cast boasts a lineup of familiar faces, with Christopher Meloni—recognized from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit—leading as head coach Danny. Meloni's character brings a family dynamic to the forefront, as his on-screen sons are portrayed by Sam Corlett and Tanner Zagarino. Adding layers to the ownership side, Macy's Hank has daughters played by Mandy Moore, another This Is Us alum, and Chloe Bennet, known from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Chace Crawford rounds out key roles as the team's new general manager, bringing his experience from The Boys to the ensemble.
Macy praised the writing's depth, stating, "They’re Shakespearean. It’s about football, but, oh, my lord, the plots are so profound, and I’m having the time of my life." When pressed on comparisons to the acclaimed high school football series Friday Night Lights, he acknowledged similarities, saying, "It’s got a bit of that in there." This nod suggests The Land will capture the intense personal and communal struggles akin to the Texas town depicted in the earlier show, but elevated to the professional level with NFL intricacies.
Production details underscore the series' authenticity, with Macy noting, "The NFL is completely behind our show, so we’ve got complete access." This partnership with the league could provide unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage and insights, potentially setting The Land apart from other sports dramas. The show hails from 20th Television and Skydance Sports, ensuring a polished execution backed by major studio resources.
Executive producers include Fogelman alongside Jess Rosenthal and Kevin Falls, all veterans of emotionally resonant television. Skydance Sports contributes David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, and Jason T. Reed, leveraging their expertise in sports media to infuse realism. Fogelman's track record with sprawling family narratives—spanning decades and emotional arcs in This Is Us—positions The Land as a natural evolution, weaving football rivalries with personal legacies.
The timing of Macy's reveal coincides with a flurry of announcements for 2025 premiere dates across broadcast and streaming platforms, though specifics for The Land remain under wraps. Industry insiders speculate a fall 2025 debut to capitalize on NFL season hype, but no official date has been set. Hulu's commitment to prestige dramas, evident in series like The Handmaid's Tale, signals strong promotional support ahead.
Cleveland's inclusion adds a layer of local pride and potential economic boost. The city, long synonymous with Browns fandom despite decades without a playoff win, could see The Land as a fictional redemption arc. Macy optimistically mused, "And what if Cleveland starts winning? Because I think our team is going to do better." This sentiment echoes the hopes of fans weary of the team's 0-16 season in 2016 and subsequent struggles, framing the series as both entertainment and wish fulfillment.
While the core source for these details stems from Macy's interview, cross-verification through entertainment outlets like Deadline confirms the consistency of the reported elements. No conflicting accounts have emerged, though the project's secrecy means some aspects, like exact episode counts or plot spoilers, stay guarded. Fogelman's history of misdirection in promotions—teasing twists without reveals—suggests more surprises may await.
The NFL's involvement raises questions about creative boundaries, given the league's sensitivity to its image. Past collaborations, such as the Tom Brady-produced 80 for Brady, have balanced glorification with grit, and The Land appears poised to follow suit. With complete access, the production team could delve into off-field issues like player contracts, coaching pressures, and ownership decisions, all while maintaining dramatic tension.
Macy's enthusiasm extends to his collaboration with the cast, hinting at the chemistry driving the show's appeal. Meloni's authoritative presence as coach Danny, paired with the familial ties to Corlett, Zagarino, Moore, and Bennet, promises heartfelt moments amid locker-room intensity. Crawford's GM role introduces power struggles at the front office, a staple in sports narratives that could mirror real-life franchise upheavals.
As Hollywood eyes the intersection of sports and streaming, The Land arrives amid a renaissance of football-themed content. From documentaries like HBO's Hard Knocks to scripted fare like Netflix's Quarterback, audiences crave authentic glimpses into the sport. Fogelman's touch could elevate the genre, blending Friday Night Lights' intimacy with the spectacle of pro ball, potentially drawing in non-sports fans through its emotional core.
Looking ahead, the series' success may hinge on its release strategy and reception. With the Critics Choice Awards spotlight amplifying buzz, Hulu executives are likely monitoring fan reactions closely. Macy's tease positions The Land as a must-watch, and if it delivers on the "Shakespearean" promise, it could redefine NFL storytelling on television.
In the broader landscape, projects like this underscore streaming's push into live-sports adjacent content, especially as traditional networks grapple with cord-cutting. For Cleveland, it's a cultural moment; for Fogelman, another canvas for human drama. As production wraps, anticipation builds for a show that might just score big both on and off the field.