It’s not uncommon to hear about a streaming show getting cancelled these days. There’s a reason why we literally have a running list of every TV show that’s ending (either prematurely or actually wrapping up its arc) in 2025. But, sometimes those cancellations are not necessarily the end. That’s what Rian Johnson is hoping for his beloved stylish sleuth series. Peacock has cancelled Poker Face after two seasons, even though fans were hoping for a season three renewal. However, Rian has a plan and it weirdly involves shopping Poker Face elsewhere for a two-season commitment AND Peter Dinklage portraying Charlie Cale. (Thanks to Deadline for bringing this to our attention.)
Yes, I will give you a moment to take that in. Rian Johnson’s quest to find another streamer or broadcaster for Poker Face after its cancellation makes sense. He seems to have at least two more seasons worth of Columbo-style adventures to explore. But the part that is not computing for me is recasting Charlie Cale, the show’s protagonist played by Natasha Lyonne, with Peter Dinklage.
Now, this is no disrespect to Mr. Dinklage because he’s quite the legendary thespian. However, the primary appeal of the show is what Lyonne brings to this character. And, Charlie being a woman often intertwines into the narrative, especially as she moves through situations where the “woman not being believed” trope applies.
It seems that Natasha Lyonne is onboard with Peter Dinklage taking over the main role. She released a joint statement with Johnson, saying “We’ve been germinating this next move together since writing the season two finale. We love our Poker Face and this is the perfect way to keep it rolling. Give us a beat and we may just see Charlie Cale again down that open highway.” Okay, I guess.
Recently, HBO’s Casey Bloys noted that he’d had some conversation about Poker Face but ultimately had nothing to report yet, sharing, “We heard the original take and when I heard that Peacock wasn’t moving forward, we were curious. So we’ve had conversations, but I don’t know which way it’ll go. But I think Rian is a fantastic filmmaker, and I love the idea of Peter Dinklage, but I have nothing to report on that.”
This is all interesting considering Poker Face season two was one of Peacock’s most-watched series. Perhaps Charlie will keep breezing into places and solving murders in a future where Peter Dinklage is the lead of Poker Face for two seasons. Good lord.
Originally published on November 13, 2025.