The final episode of the premiere season of the series is titled “The Price” and concerns a parole board hearing, a defense briefing and a political activist. The new series from Emmy-winning writer-producer Lawrence O'Donnell, Jr. chronicles the struggles of young Senator William Sterling Jr. (Brolin), who is thrust into the position after the Senior Senator of California dies. McDonald portrays his chief of staff, Jackie Brock; others in the series include William Russ as Tommy Doyle; David Noroña as the resident techno-wiz; and James Whitmore as the former California Governor, William Sterling, Sr. “Mister Sterling” premiered Jan. 10. It has received respectable, though not stellar, ratings; a production spokesperson told Playbill On-Line that an announcement will be made in May as to whether the series will be renewed for the following season. "Mister Sterling" airs 8-9 PM ET on NBC. Check local listings.

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A three-time Tony Award winner for her work in Master Class, Carousel and Ragtime, Audra McDonald was most recently on Broadway in the title role of Marie Christine. The singer-actress recently made her solo Carnegie Hall concert debut in an evening of songs scored for big bands, performing several tunes from her Nonesuch CD, "Happy Songs." McDonald's other solo recordings, "Way Back to Paradise" and "How Glory Goes," are also on the Nonesuch label.