Summary
Apple’s new series crime dramedyBad Monkeystars Vince Vaughn as a former Miami detective trying to get his job back.Bad Monkeyis one of the many shows created by prolific television producer Bill Lawrence, whose other works includeTed Lasso(2020-2023),Shrinking(2023- ),Cougar Town(2009-2015), andScrubs(2001-2010).Bad Monkeyfollows Vaughn’s Andrew Yancy who comes across a severed human arm and believes it’s his way back to the police force after being demoted to a health inspector in the Florida Keys.
Bad Monkeyis an adaptation of the 2013 novel of the same name written by Carl Hiaasen, who has written several other comedic crime thrillers set in Florida.Bad Monkeyhas received great reviewsupon its release, receiving a strong Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 92% as of the time of writing.Bad Monkeymarks the first television series Vaughn has starred in sinceTrue Detectiveseason 2 which was released back in 2015, although he did guest star in several episodes ofCurb Your Enthusiasmseasons 10-12.The first two episodes ofBad Monkeypremiere on August 22, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+.
Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy
Vaughn stars as Andrew Yancy, the main protagonist in Bad Monkey. Vaughn is one of the most recognizable comedic actors of the 21st century, having starred in classic movies such asSwingers(1996),Old School(2003),Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story(2004), andWedding Crashers(2005). He has also starred in a number of dramatic roles in films such as the Oscar-winningHacksaw Ridge(2016) andThe Cell(2000). Vaughn has starred in some notable and recent independent films such asNorth Hollywood(2021) andFreaky(2020).Vaughn brings his usual charm and wit to the character of Andrew YancyinBad Monkey.
Michelle Monaghan as Bonnie Witt
Michelle Monaghan stars as Bonnie Witt inBad Monkey. Like Vaughn, Monaghan also starred inTrue Detectivealthough she was featured in the exceptionally-rated season 1 and was not a character in season 2. Monaghan made her television debut in the 2000 series Young Americans before gaining prominence for her roles as Kimberly in Boston Public and Kim inThe Bourne Supremacy. She then went on to star in some of the most notable films of the 21st century such asMr. & Mrs. Smith(2005),Gone Baby Gone(2007), andPatriots Day(2016). She has playedJulia in threeMission: Impossiblemovies including 2018’s standoutFallout.
Jodie Turner-Smith as Dragon Queen/Gracie
Jodie Turner-Smith plays Dragon Queen/Gracie inBad Monkey. She made her feature film debut inThe Neon Demon(2016) and has also appeared in several notable films such asQueen & Slim(2019),After Yang(2022), andWhite Noise(2022). She can also be seen in television series such asThe Last Ship(2017),Nightflyers(2018), andAnne Boleyn(2021). She recently played God inSex Education(2023) and Mother Aniseya inThe Acolyte(2024).She plays the mystical character known as the Dragon Queen inBad Monkey.
Natalie Martinez as Rosa Campesino
Natalie Martinez plays Rosa Campesino inBad Monkey, a coroner and associate of Vaughn’s Andrew. She made her television debut in the 2006 seriesFashion Housebefore starring alongside Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, and Ian McShane in 2008’sDeath Race. Martinez’s other notable roles includeEnd of Watch(2012),Self/less(2015), andThe Land(2016). Her most notable recent role is arguably asAlicia Mendez in the dramatic sports seriesKingdom(2014-2017). She has also starred in recent projects such asReminiscence(2021) and Ordinary Joe (2021-2022).
Ronald Peet as Neville Stafford
Ronald Peet stars as Neville Stafford inBad Monkey. He got his big break in 2018 starring in the miniseriesDefectivesbefore appearing in an episode of the acclaimed HBO seriesGirlsin 2017. This led to Peet landing more roles in notable projects such as 2017’sThe Meyerowitz Storiesalongside Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler, 2017’sFirst Reformedalongside Ethan Hawke, andguest appearances in television series such asBull,Blindspot, andThe Good Fight. Peet has also appeared in series such asDicktown,Partner Track, and the 2023 filmProlemistaalongside Tilda Swinton. Neville is one of the secondary protagonists inBad Monkey.
Zach Braff as Israel O’Peele
Zach Braff has a small role inBad Monkeyand is credited in two episodes as a character named Israel O’Peele. Braff has worked with series creator Lawrence before on the celebrated seriesScrubs, so it makes sense that he would be available to star in Lawrence’s latest project. Braff is also celebrated for his cult classic movieGarden State(2004) starring Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard, which was also his directorial debut. Braff has directed several other feature films such asWish I Was Here,Going in Style, andA Good Person. Braff’s recent acting credits includeObi-Wan Kenobi,Moonshot, andBoJack Horseman.
Crystal the Monkey as Driggs: Crystal the Monkey is one of the most decorated supporting cast members inBad Monkey. He’s appeared in several movies such asThe Fabelmans,Night at the Museum,3:10 to Yuma, and in several episodes ofCommunity.
Meredith Hagner as Eve Stripling: Meredith Hagner has starred in the animated series Disenchantment and has guest-starred inBob’s BurgersandRobot Chicken. She is best known for her role as Portia inSearch Partyand has also starred in several films such asPalm Springs(2020),Brightburn(2019), andIngrid Goes West(2017).
Rob Delaney as Christopher: Comedian Rob Delaney has also been featured in several films and television series, includingMission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning(2023),Deadpool 2(2018),Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw(2019), andDeadpool & Wolverine(2024). Delaney has also been in television series such asBlack Mirror.
John Ortiz as Rogelio Burton: John Ortiz is arguably best known for his roles inAmerican Gangster(2007),Fast & Furious(2009),Silver Linings Playbook(2012), andSteve Jobs(2015). He plays Andrew’s former police partner and best friend inBad Monkey.
Charlotte Lawrence as Caitlin: Charlotte Lawrence plays Caitlin, the stepdaughter of Eve inBad Monkey. Lawrence is a singer/songwriter and model who will be making her professional acting debut inBad Monkey.
Alex Moffat as Evan Shook: Alex Moffat is arguably best known for being a cast member ofSaturday Night Livebetween 2016 and 2022. His other acting credits include 2023’s80 for Brady, 2021’sClifford the Big Red Dog, and guest roles inBillionsandThe Bear.
Todd Allen Durkin as Sheriff Sonny Summers: Todd Allen Durkin plays Sheriff Sonny in Bad Monkey, Andrew’s boss. Durkin’s previous credits includeWill Trent,Stargirl,Fly Me to the Moon, andThe Righteous Gemstones.
David St. Louis as Carter “Egg” Ecclestone: David St. Louis has appeared in Law & Order, NCIS, Royal Pains, and The Blacklist. He stars as a character with the nickname “egg” inBad Monkey.
Bad Monkey
Cast
A former Miami detective turned health inspector, Andrew Yancy, discovers a severed arm while working in the Florida Keys. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his former position, he navigates through a web of quirky locals and corruption, all while dealing with a troublesome monkey.
