Exclusive: Apple TV’s Emmy-nominated comedy series ‘Widow’s Bay’ has some exciting news for its fans. Jeff Hiller, who plays the lovable but hapless Town Hall staffer Dale, has been promoted to a series regular for Season 2. This is a huge win for the show, which has garnered a total of 19 Emmy nominations and has become the frontrunner of all new shows this year.

Hiller’s promotion comes as no surprise, considering his impressive performance in Season 1. His iconic scream, ‘This place is a death trap! RUN!’, has become a fan favorite, and his character’s antics have brought much-needed laughter to the show. In an interview with Deadline, Hiller revealed that he had initially sent in a self-tape without telling his old friend and creator Katie Dippold. However, when he was cast, Dippold warned him that the only role available was a Town Hall staffer who dies. Luckily, as the script evolved, Dippold called him and said, ‘Do you mind if I don’t kill you?’

Hiller’s character, Dale, has become a fan favorite, and his interactions with the show’s lead actor, Matthew Rhys, are always filled with laughter. Rhys, who plays the Mayor of the island, has praised Hiller’s performance, saying, ‘I have a shorthand with Jeff. He likes when I would melt down and scream. The whole team would always make me do these dramatic monologues where I would end up screaming and crying on the ground. It was a funny bit.’

The show’s creator, Katie Dippold, is currently in the writers’ room for Season 2, and while she hasn’t revealed exact plans, Rhys has hinted that the Season 1 finale is ‘the ultimate setup’ for a Season 2. He also mentioned that the show’s lead character, Mayor Tom Loftis, now knows the folklore is true and that his son’s life is in danger if he leaves the island. This sets the stage for a thrilling Season 2, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s in store for the characters.

Other cast members, including Stephen Root and Kate O’Flynn, have also shared their excitement for Season 2. Root, who plays the local fisherman Wyck, has expressed his desire to know more about the backstory of his character and what made him the protector of the island. O’Flynn, who plays Patricia, has mentioned that she’d love to play a British ancestor of her character in a future episode.

The show’s Emmy nominations include lead actor Rhys, supporting actors Root, O’Flynn, and Dale Dickey as Rosemary, and guest stars Hamish Linklater and Betty Gilpin. With Hiller’s promotion to series regular, fans can expect even more hilarious moments from Dale in Season 2.