In my latest conversation on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, Radcliffe opened up about what drew him to the series, working alongside Tracy Morgan, and the emotional layers beneath the show’s big laughs.
Radcliffe plays Arthur Tobin Dinkins, an award-winning documentary filmmaker hired by disgraced football star Reggie Dinkins (played by Tracy Morgan) to craft a glorified comeback story. But as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that both men are chasing redemption.
What Hooked Daniel Immediately
For Radcliffe, the decision to join the series was an easy one — and it started behind the scenes.
“The thing that hooked me to want to do this show immediately was the opportunity to work with Robert Carlock, Sam Means and Tina Fey again.”
Having collaborated with the powerhouse comedy team before, Radcliffe said the chance to build something more substantial with them — especially paired opposite Tracy Morgan — was too good to pass up.
“We really think the idea of just you and Tracy together makes us all laugh.”
That pairing became the heart of the show.
Arthur Tobin: The Artist With Something to Prove
Arthur enters the story as a self-serious, slightly pretentious documentary filmmaker determined to create gritty, meaningful art. Meanwhile, Reggie just wants to look cool.
“My background as a documentary filmmaker means that I’m trying to come in and make a piece of really gritty art… Reggie just wants somebody to make a movie where he looks really cool all the time.”
The tension between truth and ego fuels much of the comedy. But beneath the humor lies something deeper.
As Radcliffe explained, Arthur isn’t as put-together as he initially appears.
“As the show goes on, you realize he has also kind of had a fall from grace and is trying to return to form as well.”
Arthur’s arc becomes less about artistic integrity and more about personal growth.
Playing the Straight Man to Tracy Morgan’s Chaos
One of the highlights of the series is the dynamic between Radcliffe and Tracy Morgan. Arthur often plays the grounded, increasingly desperate straight man to Reggie’s unpredictable energy.
“I’m very happy to play straight man to that… I think I’m better at the kind of comedy where whoever I’m playing is unaware that anything funny is happening.”
Arthur begins the series in control — but as his desperation to make the documentary succeed grows, so does his behavior.
“His desperation to make it work means that he does more and more kind of insane and unhinged things.”
Redemption Isn’t a Solo Act
While the show is packed with fast-paced comedy, it also carries a meaningful message about humility and connection.
Arthur initially believes he can remain objective and detached from his subject. But that mindset doesn’t last.
“Arthur comes in trying to be like, ‘I’m an objective filmmaker and I’m not going to become friends with my subjects.’ And I think he ultimately realizes that that’s stupid.”
By forming real relationships with Reggie and his family — including Monica (Erica Alexander), Rusty, and Breena — Arthur begins to understand that redemption requires vulnerability.
“If there is going to be a redemption arc for him too, it’s not going to happen in isolation.”
A Comedy About Second Chances
At its core, The Fall & Rise of Reggie Dinkins isn’t just about a disgraced athlete chasing the Hall of Fame. It’s about two men navigating ego, failure, and the possibility of growth.
Radcliffe brings a layered performance that balances subtle comedy with emotional honesty — and his chemistry with Tracy Morgan anchors the series.
If the first season is any indication, this rise may just be getting started.