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Criminally funny: Kristin Chenoweth kills it in 'Trial & Error'

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Author: 
Kyla Brewer / TV Media
Kristin Chenoweth stars in "Trial & Error: Lady, Killer"

Kristin Chenoweth stars in "Trial & Error: Lady, Killer"

There's nothing like a good whodunit. TV viewers have been eating up mysteries for decades, and a new show puts a comedic twist on the crime series genre.

Nicholas D'Agosto ("Final Destination 5," 2011) returns as Josh Segal, a New York lawyer still adjusting to small-town life in East Peck, South Carolina, in the new season of "Trial & Error," subtitled "Lady, Killer," premiering Thursday, July 19, on NBC. The comedy once again spoofs documentaries and true crime shows as Segal tackles another high-profile case involving one of the town's most famous citizens.

In season 2, eccentric socialite Lavinia Peck-Foster (Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies") hires Segal to defend her when she's charged with murdering her husband. Chenoweth is a new addition to the cast, following in the footsteps of John Lithgow ("The Crown"), who played a poetry professor accused of murdering his wife in the first season. The actress, who's more often seen on the Broadway stage than on the small screen, explained in an NBC release that she was keen to join the cast of season 2.

"I'm excited to slip into a role that feels very right for me at this time," Chenoweth said. "Plus, I'm surrounded by genius comedic actors and brilliant writing. I admire John Lithgow so much and want to make him proud by continuing what he began."

With Chenoweth leading the way, the new season shows a lot of promise, as the industry has been buzzing about the Tony winner's casting since news broke in February. The actress rose to prominence thanks to her work in musical theater, earning a Tony for her performance in the Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" in 1999. She also garnered praise for her role as Glinda in the smash Broadway hit "Wicked." Television audiences may recognize her as Annabeth Schott from NBC's "The West Wing" and Olive Snook in ABC's "Pushing Daisies," the latter of which earned her a 1999 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her big-screen credits include "Bewitched" (2005) and "RV" (2006). She headlined her own sitcom, entitled "Kristin," in 2001, but the show was canceled after just six episodes.

Chenoweth's newest TV role seems like a perfect fit for the renowned actress. Well known for her over-the-top style, large hats and beloved hairless cat named Fluffy, Lavinia initially appears to be an unlikely murder suspect. The residents of East Peck consider her the town's first lady, and it seems that just about everyone loves Lavinia -- even the judge and members of the jury. When her bail is set at $10, the judge pays it, and she graciously gifts the jurors with fashionable scarves. However, Segal soon realizes that winning the case may not be a cakewalk. For one thing, her husband's body was found stuffed in a suitcase in the trunk of her car during a traffic stop. For another, she doesn't have a concrete alibi.

Sherri Shepherd as seen in "Trial & Error: Lady, Killer"

Sherri Shepherd as seen in "Trial & Error: Lady, Killer"

As in season 1, Segal relies on his team of misfits as he builds his case. Fan favorite Sherri Shepherd ("The View") returns as Anne Flatch, who serves as Josh's assistant and head researcher. Steven Boyer ("The Wolf of Wall Street," 2013) portrays Dwayne Reed, a former East Peck cop who comes up with kooky theories about what may have happened. Amanda Payton ("NCIS") joins the cast of season 2 as podcaster Nina Rudolph, who moves from New York to East Peck to follow the trial, only to become involved in a love triangle.

Jayma Mays ("Glee") reprises her role as assistant district attorney Carol Anne Keane, Josh's former lover who shows up pregnant in season 2. As she sets out to ensure that justice is served, Segal must put up with the antics of his team in a makeshift office behind a taxidermy shop.

Season 1 of "Trial & Error" was a strong performer for the peacock network, averaging 5.5 million viewers in "live plus seven day" ratings. It was also a critical hit, garnering praise from "Vulture" and "Entertainment Weekly."

It's no wonder the show has been so popular. In addition to a top-notch cast, it has a seasoned team behind the scenes. Produced in association with Hollywood powerhouse Warner Bros. Television, "Trial & Error" boasts some of the television industry's most successful players. The show was created by Jeff Astrof ("Partners") and Matthew Miller ("Lethal Weapon"), both of whom also serve as executive producers along with Academy Award nominee Jeffrey Blitz ("Spellbound," 2002). This isn't Blitz's first time working on a mockumentary-style comedy. The filmmaker, who is a director for "Trial & Error," won an Emmy in 2009 for directing an episode of "The Office," another NBC hit. 

With any luck, NBC's new mockumentary-comedy series will see the same kind of success. Don't miss the fun as Segal struggles to defend flamboyant heiress Peck-Foster in the season premiere of "Trial & Error: Lady, Killer," airing Thursday, July 19, on NBC.