Eliza Dushku is a veteran of a number of small screen projects, and her biggest shows early on took place on network TV. She's still known to fans of Joss Whedon's works for her contributions to both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dollhouse, but she hasn't done much on broadcast TV in recent years. Now, she's poised to return to a major network for a role in one of the biggest new shows of the 2016-2017 TV season. Dushku landed a part on CBS' Bull.
On Bull, Eliza Dushku will play a lawyer by the name of J.P. Nunnelly. She's an intelligent attorney who can hold her own with the best in New York City, where she heads up the greatest and most highly sought-after criminal defense firm. Nunnelly will make her debut when Dr. Bull hires her to contribute to his team after one of the regular members faces the prospect of prison. The episode will air on May 9.
The actress is currently slated to appear in three episodes of the remainder of Season 1, according to Deadline. Assuming all goes well with Eliza Dushku's first few appearances and there's room in the story, CBS has the option to bring her in as a series regular in the future. Given that the network recently renewed Bull (and a whole slew of other CBS series), there is at least one more guaranteed season for Dr. Bull and Co.
A lot likely depends on how well Eliza Dushku can fit into the existing dynamic of Dr. Bull's team. The mystery team member may only be facing prison for a brief stint, so J.P. Nunnelly may need to make a big impression as quickly as possible if she's going to work well with the crew. Bull could probably use another lawyer on the side of the good guys for another point of view, and an attorney coming from a successful criminal defense firm would certainly provide a different legal outlook.
All things considered, J.P. Nunnelly sounds like a big departure from Eliza Dushku's past TV gigs. She's probably best known for her portrayal of Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer on The WB and Echo on Dollhouse on Fox. She's currently coming off of a recurring role on Cinemax's Banshee, and she's appeared in other cable series over the years, including White Collar and The League. Her Bull appearance will mark her first return to network television since she played an FBI agent in a single episode of The Big Bang Theory back in 2010.
Tune in to Bull on Tuesday, May 9 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS to catch Eliza Dushku in her debut as J.P. Nunnelly. Check out our midseason TV premiere schedule and summer TV premiere guide to see your other viewing options, and don't forget to drop by our rundown of the big TV cancellations and renewals so far in 2017.
