Eriq La Salle is back on our screens in Prime Video’s upcoming police drama On Call, premiering January 9th. But he’s not just acting in the series — La Salle is also directing and executive producing, making this project a full-circle moment in his storied career. The actor-director recently joined Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss his role as Sergeant Greg Osman, the unique style of the series, and what it was like to juggle multiple responsibilities on set.
A “Trifecta” of Roles for La Salle
La Salle refers to On Call as his trifecta project, where he gets to act, direct, and executive produce all at once. “I loved all three of them, and it’s great to see it all come together,” he said. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”
Balancing these roles wasn’t new for La Salle, who has directed and acted in various projects over the years, including ER and The Twilight Zone. But On Call offered him a rare opportunity to fully flex his creative muscles. “By the time this opportunity presented itself, I was really ready for it.”
A Unique Visual Approach: Handheld, Body Cams, and Dash Cams
On Call stands out visually, with a mix of handheld cameras, body cams, and dash cams that give it a raw, immersive feel. La Salle admits this stylistic choice was a challenge to get right. “It wasn’t challenging to shoot that way, but it was challenging to find the balance,” he explained. “It’s like cooking — how much salt, how much sugar, how much hot sauce? You don’t want to ruin the dish.”
The innovative approach adds to the authenticity of the show, capturing the chaos and unpredictability of a police officer’s day. “Once we got comfortable with the style, it became a powerful storytelling tool.”
Sergeant Osman: A Complex Leader with Layers
La Salle plays Sergeant Greg Osman, a character who isn’t what he initially seems. “He’s not who you think he is,” La Salle teased. “From some of the characters’ points of view, there’s a lot of misinformation and assumptions about him, and vice versa.”
The dynamic between Osman and Officer Traynor, played by Troian Bellisario, drives much of the drama in the series. “They have a complicated relationship based on miscommunication. It’s not until the end of the season that the revelations about who they really are come to light.”
Finding His Rhythm as an Actor Again
After spending much of his recent career behind the camera, La Salle admitted he felt “rusty” stepping back into an acting role. “I hadn’t acted in a while, and I felt like I needed to find my rhythm again,” he shared.
La Salle credits Bellisario with helping him ease back into the process. “Troian really helped me find my range quickly. She’s an incredible actress, and working with her was a gift.”
La Salle also praised other cast members, including Chicago Fire alum Monica Raymund and Pretty Little Liars star Ian Harding. But he gave special recognition to Laurie Holden, who plays a more gritty, no-makeup character in the series. “Laurie really went against her usual image and had fun playing a more edgy character.”
Balancing Real-World Issues and Entertainment
On Call doesn’t shy away from tackling real-world issues in policing. The series is inspired by actual calls handled by police officers, which adds an extra layer of authenticity.
“All the calls in the show are based on real ones,” La Salle revealed. “We worked with technical advisors and interviewed a lot of cops to get it right. It’s a Bible of stories, and it’s fascinating to see how much happens in just one shift.”
La Salle also did a ride-along with police officers to prepare for the role. “I went on a 10-hour shift and saw everything from a cop saving a toddler to more serious situations. That was just one day. It really opened my eyes to the range of experiences officers deal with.”
The Pilot Episode: Establishing the World of On Call
La Salle directed the pilot episode, which he considers the foundation of the series. “The pilot is my favorite episode because it sets the tone and welcomes viewers into this world.”
He highlighted Monica Raymund’s powerful opening scene in the pilot. “Monica brought so much depth to that scene. It’s a great introduction to the style and atmosphere of the show.”
The series is set in Long Beach, California, and captures the unique culture of the city. “We wanted to reflect the vibe of Long Beach — its diversity, its struggles, and its beauty.”
A Groundbreaking Police Drama
On Call takes a fresh approach to the police procedural genre by incorporating the use of body cams and dash cams. It’s a timely exploration of policing, focusing on the humanity behind the badge rather than sensationalized crime stories.
“Some of the reality is funny, some of it is scary, and some of it is heartbreaking,” La Salle explained. “But it’s all real. That’s what makes the show so compelling.”
What’s Next for Eriq La Salle?
La Salle hinted at more projects in the pipeline but remained tight-lipped on specifics. “There’s another project I’m working on, but I can’t say much due to an NDA,” he shared. “It won’t be out until 2027, but it’s something really exciting.”
As for On Call, La Salle is eager to see how audiences respond. “This show is different. It’s real. It’s raw. And it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Final Thoughts
Eriq La Salle’s work on On Call is a masterclass in storytelling, blending his acting, directing, and producing talents into a seamless whole. The series promises to offer a fresh perspective on policing, grounded in real-world experiences and told through a unique visual style.
Catch On Call when it premieres on Prime Video on January 9th. And if the pilot is any indication, viewers are in for a compelling ride through the streets of Long Beach.
Follow Eriq La Salle on Instagram @eriqlasalle to keep up with his latest projects.