The drama created by Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson ("Homicide," "Oz") is being directed by Spike Lee ("Inside Man"). The show plans to film in New York. "M.O.N.Y.," an acronym for mayor of New York, centers around a "surprising and unlikely everyman [and] socially conscious public advocate" — to be played by Cannavale — who happens upon the political office. While in that position, "he shoots from the gut, makes mistakes and hopefully wins the hearts of the city's residents."

The actor reteams with the network that has employed him in "Third Watch," "Kingpin" and his Emmy Award-winning guest turn on "Will & Grace." He also had a development deal with NBC and starred in the 2005 pilot "NY-70."

Cannavale was last seen on stage Off-Broadway in The New Group's revival of Hurlyburly. The Union City, NJ, native has also been seen on stage in Suzan Lori Parks' Fucking A. He is also known for his work in the films "Fast Food Nation," "Happy Endings," "Shall We Dance?" and "The Station Agent." He has also been seen in "Six Feet Under" "Ally McBeal," "The Exonerated," "100 Centre Street" and "Sex and the City."