Format: Half-Hour | Single-Cam | Serialized Dramedy
Tone: The Comeback meets Master of None
Created by: Tray Epps
THE PREMISE
Wyatt Lloyd Levitt used to be America’s sweetheart—until rehab, ruin, and a child he didn’t know was going public. Now, he’s clawing his way back to fame through fan conventions, shady gigs, and a reality show circuit that loves his downfall almost as much as they once loved his face.
In a world where fame fades fast but failure lives forever, Runner Up follows a former child star caught between nostalgia and reinvention as he tries to reclaim the spotlight—and maybe even his soul.
This show isn’t about Hollywood or show business. Not really.
It’s about a man who’s spent his entire life being watched—and what happens when no one’s watching anymore. Wyatt Lloyd Levitt was a child star, a teen trainwreck, and now he’s a thirty-something ex-celebrity trying to figure out who he is without the fame.
He’s never had a job that wasn’t acting. His dad used to be on his payroll. His most meaningful relationships were mediated by camera crews and call times.
Now, with the spotlight dimmed and the fans aging out, Wyatt has to ask himself:
If you’re not the star anymore… who are you? But who needs reflection when you are chasing the high of fame.
THE WORLD
This isn’t Hollywood. It’s not even L.A. Or New York.
It’s The UK—blunt, busy, and buzzing with people who don’t care who you are or used to be.
The city is full of edges, side streets and shared flats, old theatres and new influencers. It’s a place where fame fades fast, and nobody’s impressed by a headshot.
Wyatt is trying to rebuild a life in a city that doesn’t owe him anything—and isn’t particularly interested in his comeback even if he was born there.
CHARACTERS YOU’LL LOVE (AND YELL AT)
Wyatt – Rehabbed. Rebranded. Ready to fall apart again.
Harley – His no-BS UK agent and mother of his secret love child. Keeps secrets like she keeps receipts.
Cassie – Their secret daughter. Smarter than all of them. Doesn’t want the spotlight… but will do what she must to be with her dad.
Jackson – His once-manager father, now slinging ice cream and unsolicited advice.
Trish – Reality TV royalty. Once his ex, now her own headline.
Read more about them in the Ensemble page or in the script.
WHY NOW?
Runner Up is a darkly funny, heartfelt dive into second (and third) chances, the thirst for fame, and what happens when your real life starts trending. It’s a show about reinvention, addiction, legacy, and love—with the chaos of celebrity culture always one step behind. It's a coming of age for adults who feel like they should have it all figured out but haven't found their way yet.
THE PREMISE
Not L.A.
Not glossy.
This is New York City, messy and magnificent, seen through the lens of fading fame and second chances. The series explores what it means to hustle when your star has dimmed and your demons are trending.
THE PREMISE
Not L.A.
Not glossy.
This is New York City, messy and magnificent, seen through the lens of fading fame and second chances. The series explores what it means to hustle when your star has dimmed and your demons are trending.
WHY NOW?
Runner Up is a darkly funny, heartfelt dive into second (and third) chances, the thirst for fame, and what happens when your real life starts trending. It’s a show about reinvention, addiction, legacy, and love—with the chaos of celebrity culture always one step behind.
Why me?
Yes, it’s true—I’m a failed child actor. I imagined being discovered at the mall and
having my own E! True Hollywood story like other child actors of my day such as Ben
Savage or the Olsen twins. There weren’t many Black child actors of my time, but
that’s what I thought made my dream so viable. I’d be one of the first, along with Jaleel
White (FAMILY MATTERS’ Steve Urkel). Alas, I wasn’t the first. Hell, I wasn’t at all.
Tray Epps
