New Talent & Directors for Season Two of Mercy Street

ARLINGTON: New actors and directors are on board for the second season of PBS’s Mercy Street, which is currently in production in Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia.

Tony Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Brían F. O’Byrne (Mildred Pierce, Aquarius) joins the cast as Allan Pinkerton, head of the Union Intelligence Service. Tony Award winner Patina Miller (Pippin, Madam Secretary, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 & 2) will play Charlotte Jenkins, a black Northern abolitionist and former slave who escaped to freedom years before through the Underground Railroad. Tony Award nominee Bryce Pinkham (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Heidi Chronicles) plays Maj. Clayton McBurney III, the new hospital chief.

Stephen Cragg will be directing episodes one and two. His previous directing credits include episodes of Scandal, Nashville, How to Get Away With Murder, ER, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Southland and Doogie Howser, MD. Laura Innes is directing episodes three and four. She is best known for her long-running role as Dr. Kerry Weaver on ER. She has also directed episodes of How to Get Away With Murder, The Affair, Brothers & Sisters, The West Wing, Grey’s Anatomy and others.

“We are thrilled to add these talented actors and directors to the Mercy Street production, both behind and in front of the camera,” said co-creator and executive producer Lisa Q. Wolfinger. “They each individually bring a new perspective to the series, and together, will take season two to new heights.”

“It has been a privilege for all of us on Mercy Street to be able to tell these stories at the intersection of drama and history. This new season, with new faces, presents an exciting opportunity to build on all we’ve accomplished in season one,” said co-creator and executive producer David Zabel. “Having worked with Stephen Cragg and Laura Innes for many years at ER, and then on many projects since, I am eager to bring their considerable talents to this great ensemble.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new set of actors, directors and historical advisors to the Mercy Street family for season two, as well as introduce viewers to compelling new characters with captivating story lines,” said executive producer David W. Zucker.

“Season one of Mercy Street received such a positive response, and PBS is delighted to add these new members to our talented and diverse cast and crew for season two,” said Beth Hoppe, the chief programming officer and general manager for general audience programming at PBS.