Ben Stiller is set to star alongside Jessica Chastain in a new Apple TV+ series titled The Off Weeks, marking a fresh collaboration with the streaming service following his work on Severance. Directed by Michael Showalter, this upcoming show explores the life of Professor Gus Adler, whose recent divorce divides his time between his children and a budding romance.
The series follows Gus Adler through his alternating on weeks—when he cares for his kids—and off weeks, during which he becomes involved with Stella West, a mysterious woman who further disrupts his life. While official casting confirmations are pending, it is anticipated that Stiller will portray Adler, with Chastain playing Stella West.
Creative Team and Production Details Behind ‘The Off Weeks’
Both Ben Stiller and Jessica Chastain serve as executive producers on The Off Weeks, alongside director Michael Showalter and showrunner Alissa Nutting. This collaboration builds on past partnerships, as Stiller and Chastain previously worked together on Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, and Stiller and Showalter teamed up for the Apple TV+ series The Shrink Next Door.
The series will be produced for Apple TV+ by the production company wiip. Additional executive producers include John Lesher through Red Hour, Kelly Carmichael via Chastain’s Freckle Films, Jordana Mollick from Semi Formal Productions, Paul Lee and Gabriel Fisher representing wiip, Allen Fischer and Brian Steinberg from Artists First, and Dean Bakopoulos.
Renewed Collaboration After ‘Severance’ Success and Upcoming Projects
The Off Weeks signals a continued partnership between Ben Stiller and Apple TV+ following the critical acclaim of Severance. The show’s second season recently secured 27 Emmy nominations and earned eight wins, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Britt Lower and Supporting Actor and Guest Actress awards for Tramell Tillman and Merritt Wever. Stiller also has upcoming projects, such as the documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost and the World War II drama Airman, featuring Jeremy Allen White.
Jessica Chastain likewise has her own Apple TV+ project on the horizon: the thriller The Savant, scheduled to premiere on September 26. In addition, she stars in the Blumhouse horror film Other Mommy, set for release next October.
Director Michael Showalter’s Recent and Future Endeavors
Michael Showalter, director of The Off Weeks, most recently helmed the Prime Video film The Idea Of You. His upcoming work includes two Amazon MGM projects: the Christmas comedy Oh. What. Fun., due December 3, and the thriller Verity, planned for an October 2, 2026 release. Showalter’s recent television credits feature directing the pilot for Paramount+’s Happy Face and overseeing the second season of The Pradeeps Of Pittsburg.
Anticipated Release and What Lies Ahead for ‘The Off Weeks’
The Off Weeks is expected to arrive on Apple TV+ in the latter half of 2026. Its blend of personal drama and romantic complexity, paired with the talents of Stiller, Chastain, and Showalter, positions the series as a promising addition to the streamer’s original programming lineup.
“Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,”
Britt Lower, Outstanding Lead Actress – Severance
Tramell Tillman, Outstanding Supporting Actor – Severance
Merritt Wever, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Severance
